JOURNAL OF TOURISM, HOSPITALITY AND ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT (JTHEM)

QUANTIFYING THE THREATS: A REVIEW OF MANGROVE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT

Siti Syafiqah Hashim — 2025-06-05

Mangrove ecosystems are vital to preserve as they provide various crucial benefits and services not only to humans but also to other ecosystems and life. Yet, their distribution globally has been declining due to factors within nature itself and from humans. This establishes conservation awareness among researchers by assessing the vulnerability of mangroves and provides a clear picture for management and governance of the vulnerability status of the area. For such purposes, various vulnerability assessments have been developed but the degree of robustness of this assessment is not well assessed. Therefore, this review covers the development of mangrove vulnerability assessment methods along with the parameters incorporated for the assessment based on 20 years of research articles. The study found that remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) methods have gained prominence among researchers due to their accessibility to pertinent data. The evolving landscape of vulnerability assessment has witnessed the emergence of diverse methodologies, including multidisciplinary studies that enhance the comprehensiveness of the evaluations. Despite progress, there's still a significant gap in creating consistent ways to assess mangrove vulnerability. This review highlights the necessity for future studies to fill these gaps by establishing standards and parameters to evaluate mangrove ecosystem vulnerability more thoroughly. Ultimately, this determined effort will significantly contribute to these critical ecosystems' conservation and sustainable management, ensuring their continued resilience in the face of escalating threats.

MASJID WARISAN KAMPUNG LAUT: KHAZANAH SENI BINA MELAYU-ISLAM TERTUA DI MALAYSIA

Mohd Khairul Nizam Mat Yusoff — 2025-06-01

Masjid Kampung Laut di Kelantan merupakan salah satu masjid tertua di Malaysia dan dianggap sebagai lambang keagungan seni bina Melayu-Islam. Seni bina uniknya, termasuk penggunaan struktur kayu tanpa paku, mencerminkan kepakaran tukang Melayu tradisional serta adaptasi terhadap persekitaran tropika. Namun, masjid ini berdepan pelbagai cabaran, antaranya pemeliharaan fizikal akibat usia dan faktor cuaca, kurangnya kesedaran masyarakat terhadap nilai sejarahnya serta komersialisasi yang boleh menjejaskan fungsi utamanya sebagai tempat ibadah. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji sejarah pembinaan masjid, menganalisis keunikan seni binanya serta mengenal pasti usaha-usaha pemeliharaan dan konservasi masjid sebagai warisan Islam yang berharga. Pendekatan kualitatif digunakan melalui kajian literatur, temu bual dengan ahli sejarah dan masyarakat setempat serta pemerhatian lapangan bagi menilai keadaan semasa masjid. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa Masjid Kampung Laut bukan sahaja sebuah struktur fizikal, tetapi juga simbol penyatuan komuniti dan pusat penyebaran Islam di rantau ini. Keunikan seni binanya berpotensi dijadikan rujukan penting dalam kajian seni bina tradisional. Pemeliharaan yang rapi serta pendidikan kepada masyarakat amat diperlukan bagi memastikan masjid ini terus dihargai oleh generasi akan datang. Kesimpulannya, Masjid Kampung Laut merupakan khazanah warisan yang perlu dipelihara melalui usaha bersepadu, merangkumi pemeliharaan fizikal, peningkatan kesedaran budaya, serta pengurusan pelancongan yang lestari.

The Kampung Laut Mosque in Kelantan stands as one of the oldest surviving mosques in Malaysia and represents an enduring legacy of traditional Malay-Islamic architecture. Its distinctive construction, notably the use of timber without nails, showcases the ingenuity of traditional Malay craftsmanship and reflects thoughtful adaptation to the tropical climate. Despite its historical significance, the mosque faces several challenges, including physical deterioration due to age and environmental conditions, limited public awareness of its heritage value, and the threat of commercialization potentially diminishing its religious role. This study seeks to examine the historical context of the mosque’s construction, analyze its architectural uniqueness, and evaluate current preservation and conservation efforts undertaken to safeguard this valuable Islamic heritage. A qualitative methodology is employed, incorporating literature review, interviews with historians and local community members, as well as direct field observations to assess its current state. The findings indicate that Kampung Laut Mosque is more than a historical structure it serves as a unifying symbol of community identity and a vital node in the spread of Islam in the region. Its architectural significance offers rich potential for further research in traditional Malay design. To ensure its continued appreciation by future generations, strategic preservation measures, increased cultural awareness and sustainable tourism management are essential.

E-WASTE RECYCLING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: MODELLING E-WASTE BEHAVIOR IN MALAYSIA

Nur Batrisyia Nordin — 2025-06-19

E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic products that no longer function as intended. Improper management of e-waste disposal can result in environmental pollution and risks to human health. This study aims to identify the determinants of e-waste recycling among the Malaysian public in Negeri Sembilan. The study design uses a quantitative approach, and data was obtained using a questionnaire. The study sample involved 300 respondents who were selected using multi-stage sampling. The final data of 258 respondents were analysed using Parametric Analysis, namely Pearson correlation and multiple regression. The study results showed that policy and regulation, moral obligation, waste sorting knowledge, facility support, and subjective factors significantly influence e-waste recycling. On the other hand, attitude and time availability do not predict e-waste recycling. The study results also found that policy and regulation have the most decisive influence on e-waste recycling. Therefore, the government should enforce laws related to e-waste disposal. For example, mandating people to separate e-waste will ease garbage collectors to bring e-waste to special disposal centres. It can still be seen that many people take recycling for granted, which can save resources, prevent pollution, and contribute to public health. Therefore, policy and regulation are necessary to reduce e-waste dumped into landfills and to prevent pollution due to unsystematic e-waste management.

CHANGZHOU IMPRINT: EXPLORING HOW CULTURE ILLUMINATES CITY BRANDING

Tangyao — 2025-06-01

Although research on metro advertising in first-tier cities has been extensive over the past decade, there is a noticeable lack of focus on second-tier tourist cities rich in cultural resources, such as Changzhou. Existing studies on such cities remain relatively scarce. Since 2020, Changzhou has increased its investment in tourism; however, the expected growth in tourist revenue has not materialized, highlighting a mismatch between input and return. This suggests that cities like Changzhou require further exploration and practice in cultural dissemination and brand building to optimize tourism benefits and enhance their urban image. In particular, while Changzhou's advertisements have recognized the importance of promoting urban culture, their actual impact has fallen short of expectations. Against this backdrop, this study adopts a case study approach, emphasizing the emotional connection between digital metro advertisements and passengers. The goal is to enhance urban identity and brand influence. Overall, this research investigates the relationship between metro advertising and cultural dissemination by examining several aspects: the emergence and evolution of digital metro advertising, its role in promoting urban culture, its emotional connection with passengers, factors influencing the representation of Changzhou's cultural elements, and strategies for city branding to convey Changzhou's unique charm. A key focus is on understanding the types and forms of cultural elements in Changzhou’s metro advertisements, as these significantly affect the depth and breadth of urban cultural dissemination.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE IN TOURISM & HOSPITALITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Mohd Faizal Abd Rahman — 2025-06-05

The surging focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions has prompted increasing scholarly attention in the tourism and hospitality sectors. However, the fragmented nature of existing research presents challenges in understanding the holistic integration of ESG principles. This research aims to systematically review the present literature on ESG in tourism and hospitality, addressing critical gaps through a structured strategy. Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, a comprehensive search was conducted utilizing two prominent databases: Scopus as well as Web of Science (WoS). The screening process identified 26 primary studies that met the inclusion criteria. Through thematic analysis, the findings were classified into three major themes: (1) ESG Practices, Disclosure, and Reporting, (2) ESG Impact on Financial and Firm Performance, and (3) Consumer Perceptions, Governance, and Sustainable Tourism Development. The review reveals that while ESG disclosure practices are increasingly formalized, significant discrepancies exist in reporting standards across regions and organizational types. Furthermore, evidence suggests a generally positive association between ESG performance and financial outcomes, although contextual factors such as national economic development play a moderating role. From the consumer and community perspective, the perception and engagement with ESG initiatives are found to be critical for promoting sustainable tourism development. This systematic review consolidates current knowledge, highlights methodological and conceptual gaps, and proposes directions for future research aimed at enhancing the theoretical as well as practical understanding of ESG integration in tourism and hospitality industries.

A STUDY OF FOOD AND SERVICE QUALITY INFLUENCING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN STUDENT CAFETERIA

Syuhirdy Mat Noor — 2025-06-01

Customer satisfaction in university cafeterias is significantly influenced by factors such as food quality, service efficiency, ambiance, and pricing. Enhancing these elements is vital for providing a positive dining experience that contributes to students' overall university experience. This study explores how service quality and food quality impact student satisfaction, driven by observed inconsistencies in service delivery among campus cafeteria operators that may hinder sustained satisfaction. Using purposive sampling, data were gathered from 400 UiTM students through questionnaires. Findings reveal that food quality scored higher in satisfaction than service quality. The study concludes with recommendations for improving cafeteria services and suggests potential directions for future research.

MODELLING TOURIST ARRIVAL IN MALAYSIA USING UNIVARIATE TIME SERIES MODELS

Wan Nurshazelin Wan Shahidan — 2025-06-05

Tourism is a crucial driver of national economies, contributing to leisure, cultural exchange, and economic growth through key sectors such as hospitality and transportation. Malaysia, a prominent tourist destination in Southeast Asia, welcomed millions of international visitors in 2019, significantly boosting its economy. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, highlighting the industry's vulnerability to global disruptions. This study models tourist arrivals in Malaysia using Univariate Time Series Models based on data from January 2012 to December 2019, obtained from the Tourism Malaysia Department. Five forecasting models—Naïve Model, Seasonal Naïve Model, Single Exponential Smoothing (SES), Holt’s Linear Trend Method, and Holt-Winters’ Method—were evaluated using error metrics, including Mean Absolute Scaled Error (MASE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The results indicate that the Seasonal Naïve Model produced the lowest MAE and MAPE values, making it the most accurate model for forecasting tourist arrivals. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and tourism industry stakeholders in strategic planning and resource allocation.

REVIEWING THE DISTRIBUTIONS, CHARACTERISTICS, LIFE CYCLE, FEEDING BEHAVIOUR AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF SPHYRNA MOKARRAN

Aida Syahirah Azlan — 2025-06-01

The ecological status and conservation issues of the great hammerhead shark (Spyhrna mokarran) are the concern that are discussed in this paper. In this paper, highlights about the species biology, distribution, feeding behaviour and its role as an apex predator in marine ecosystems. Spyhrna mokarran (S. mokarran) is known with its huge size, crescent-shaped dorsal in and unique cephalofoil. The area occupied by this species is in the deep oceanic regions and coastal reef area as they have the capability to travel in long distances and adapt to the temperature fluctuation. This research finds that S. mokarran species feed on mostly rays, cephalopods, and teleost fish. However, the pattern of their feeding behaviour will be change as its grow older. Additionally, S. mokarran is now list as the endangered on the IUCN Red List species all over the world, resulting from the overfishing and the market trade of their high value fins. Thus, the population of this species are fall drastically caused by overexploitation. Some of the efforts that aid in reducing and maintaining this species includes public awareness campaign, the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) and legal protections under CITES. The study concludes that, the act of protection of the great hammerhead sharks is vital for both of species’ survival and the health of marine ecosystems in order to improve the conservation strategies and stop the species from degrade drastically throughout the whole world.

REVIEW OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) ASSESSMENT IN INSTITUTIONAL LIBRARIES: A CASE STUDY OF UiTM PERAK

Nurhidayah Samsul Rijal — 2025-06-05

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the assessment of temperature and pollutant levels that may negatively impact occupants' comfort, health, and productivity within a building. Insufficient ventilation in university libraries leads to pollutant accumulation, poor indoor air quality, discomfort, health issues, and reduced cognitive performance, affecting students' well-being, productivity, and overall learning environment. This study focuses on evaluating factors influencing IAQ in institutional libraries, specifically the libraries at UiTM Perak, including UiTM Seri Iskandar and UiTM Tapah. The primary objective is to analyse fieldwork techniques used in previous IAQ studies on Malaysian university libraries, emphasizing parameters such as temperature, air velocity, relative humidity, and chemical pollutants, including carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The study employs a literature review to establish IAQ criteria, including temperature, carbon dioxide levels, ventilation, relative humidity, odour, and overall air freshness, as benchmarks for assessing indoor environmental quality. Data were collected from academic papers, and the findings confirmed key IAQ parameters, such as temperature, carbon dioxide levels, humidity, ventilation, and air freshness. Previous studies and journals validated these factors, which were compiled into a matrix table. This research provides valuable insights into IAQ assessment in institutional libraries, contributing to improved indoor environments for occupants' well-being.

VOICES FROM THE SUMMIT: EXPLORING THE GROWTH NEEDS OF KINABALU GEOPARK GUIDES

Lesley Hiew Soon Sang — 2025-06-19

This paper exploring the professional development (PD) needed by mountain guides within the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGG). Drawing on a qualitative research design, the research made use of purposive sampling to recruit 80 participants, involving mountain guides, Geopark officials, instructors, and climbers. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews and observations, which were analyse using thematic analysis. A number of key areas for professional growth of mountain guides emerged from the research, ranging from advanced safety and rescue courses, effective communication, leadership, and increased sensitivity to sustainable tourism practices. This paper reveals the necessity of collaborative action by the management of the park and the stakeholders to provide specific focused training, improve budget allocation, and establish networks of peer support, enhancing intercultural competency, and recommendations highlight augmenting MGs' professional skill, sustainable tourism promotion, and the achievement of the conservation objectives of the Geopark hinge on addressing these needs. MGs that facing. This study provides insightful analysis of PD approaches for guides in protected regions.

HOW DO INFORMATION QUALITY AND INFORMATION CREDIBILITY AFFECT FOREIGN TOURISTS' INFORMATION ADOPTION FROM SOCIAL MEDIA? A CASE FROM CHINA

Yuan Tian — 2025-06-01

Social media increasingly influences tourism marketing strategies. Tourists can obtain information regarding tourist destinations via social media platforms. This study analyzes the effects of information quality and information credibility on the adoption of social media information by foreign tourists. A conceptual model was constructed using the Information Adoption Model theory. The research focused on foreign tourists aged 18 and older who had not visited China post-COVID-19.The questionnaire was used to collect data, and responses from 277 foreigners were obtained. The collected data was analyzed using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that the information quality and information credibility on social media positively influence its usefulness, thereby significantly impacting information adoption by foreign tourists. Based on these research results, tourism companies and destinations should prioritize information quality in their promotional efforts. Utilizing official accounts or mainstream social media platforms for promotion is recommended, alongside enhancing the usefulness of information to effectively influence foreign tourists’ engagement with information regarding Chinese tourist destinations. This paper also discusses recommendations for future studies.

COLOR CHARACTERISTICS IN YANG’S CLAY SCULPTURE: A NATIONAL INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF CHINA

Wang Qinqin — 2025-06-19

This study aims to explore the color patterns of Yang's clay sculpture, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage of China. It analyzes and elucidates the color characteristics of Yang's clay sculptures and investigates the intrinsic connections between their color origins and regional styles, pigment materials, and production techniques. Using the representative work "Sixty Daoist Deities" as a sample, this paper employs a combination of field investigations, expert interviews, literature review, and quantitative data analysis. Utilizing the NCS color system, RGB color system, and K-means clustering algorithm, an in-depth analysis of the sculpture's color data was conducted, resulting in the construction of a commonly used color palette for Yang's clay sculptures. The findings indicate that Yang's clay sculptures exhibit rich and vibrant colors, predominantly in green and blue hues, characterized by medium brightness and purity. A local high-contrast strategy is employed to highlight the main figures. This study not only reveals the principles of color application but also explores their origins from multiple perspectives, including regional culture and material techniques. It provides digital evidence and practical guidance for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, cultural relic restoration, and the inheritance of traditional crafts.

SUSTAINABLE FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT IN UNIKL MICET: CHALLENGES IN TRANSLATING AWARENESS INTO ACTION

M.S.M Ghazali — 2025-06-01

Despite growing awareness of food waste issues, universities face significant challenges in translating awareness into action. This study investigates food waste management practices at UniKL MICET, identifying key barriers that prevent staff and students from adopting sustainable disposal methods. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative observations to examine food waste disposal behaviors, obstacles, and reduction efforts. Findings reveal that 100% of respondents recognize the importance of food waste management, yet only 23% actively practice sustainable disposal methods, such as composting or feeding animals. The continued reliance on municipal waste bins highlights the disconnect between awareness and action. Key challenges include habitual disposal practices, lack of incentive, inadequate infrastructure, and weak institutional policies, which hinder sustainable waste management. Addressing these barriers requires clear policies, infrastructure investment, and behavioral change initiatives. These findings emphasize the urgent need for structured interventions to bridge the awareness-action gap in university food waste management.

EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF TOURISM AND COCOA-BASED PRODUCTS: A SIGNIFICANT LITERATURE REVIEW

Aini Khalida Muslim — 2025-06-05

The intersection of tourism and cocoa-based products presents a growing area of interest within sustainable development and cultural heritage studies. Despite increasing scholarly attention, a consolidated understanding of how cocoa-related initiatives contribute to tourism remains limited. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) aims to bridge this gap by analyzing the current body of research related to cocoa and tourism using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Articles from Scopus and ScienceDirect yielded a final sample of 12 primary studies. The analysis revealed three major thematic areas: Chocolate and Agro-Tourism Development, emphasizing how cocoa-based experiences stimulate rural economies and enhance tourist engagement; Socio-Historical and Cultural Dimensions of Chocolate, highlighting the role of chocolate in shaping local identities and cultural narratives; and Sustainability and Logistical Challenges in Cacao Supply Chains, focusing on the environmental and operational constraints impacting cocoa-tourism synergy. Results suggest that while cocoa-related tourism holds significant potential for socio-economic growth and cultural preservation, it also faces considerable logistical and sustainability challenges. The review underscores the need for integrated strategies that align tourism development with ethical sourcing, cultural integrity, and environmental stewardship. This study contributes to the emerging discourse on food-based tourism and provides a foundation for future interdisciplinary research in the field.

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT IN EQUESTRIAN TOURISM PLANNING: A CASE STUDY OF MALAYSIA

Nur Jannah Mohd Esa — 2025-06-01

Equestrian tourism is rapidly growing, attracting both local and international enthusiasts while supporting cultural preservation and outdoor recreation. However, challenges remain in operator coordination, stakeholder collaboration, and resource allocation. This study aims to explore various planning approaches in equestrian tourism. The research was conducted across equestrian centres and parks in Malaysia, with semi-structured interviews involving 22 key informants. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo, which successfully identified patterns and uncovered meaningful insights. Findings highlight the crucial role of various stakeholders, including equestrian operators, equestrian associations, and tourism agencies, in promoting equestrian tourism. Therefore, the findings of this study provide the latest knowledge regarding equestrian tourism, and the stakeholders can utilize these findings to enhance the tourism activity portfolio based on the identified variables.