Marine Tourism Essay

CHAPTER 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 Islands in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the countries that are located in the Southeast Asia. It is famous for its unique islands that include astounding beaches, varied cultures and tropical rainforests.

Most of these islands have become popular destinations for marine tourism activities such as diving and snorkeling. This is because of their richness in marine environments and ecosystem especially coral reefs which include coral atolls, fringing reefs, barrier reefs and also beautiful crystal clear waters.

According to www.touropia.com, there are 10 islands that are among the best islands in Malaysia. They are:

1. Pulau Langkawi

Pulau Langkawi is located near to the border of Thailand with 65,000 populations

The third reason is this research would help to maintain our country’s economy as marine tourism is one of the attractions for the tourists to come and have a vacation in Malaysia.

IV. The last reason is this research would help the marine ecosystem and underwater environment to maintain their existence and good condition.

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2.1.4 Objectives

There are two main objectives that will be accomplished in the research by developing smartphone application in order to solve the problems stated in the introduction.

I. The first objective is to develop a smartphone application which will help guide and educate the tourists on how to conduct marine tourism activities responsibly, so that they will not destroy the coral reefs.

II. The second objective is it will help prevent the degradation of coral reefs that cause by tourists who involved in marine tourism activities such as snorkeling and diving.

2.1.5 Hypothesis

There are couples of hypothesis that can be assumed by doing this research.

I. The first hypothesis is tourist will be guided and educated on how to conduct marine tourism activities responsibly, so that they will not destroy the coral

The second method that was used in order to complete this research is by making and observation at the snorkeling area in Pulau Sembilan, Pangkor. The observation was done by observing the snorkeler’s behavior or attitude. Most of the snorkelers were not aware on the existing of the coral reefs while snorkeling. They had unintentionally trampled the coral reefs and this had unfortunately caused damage.

The third method that was used in order to complete this research is by distributing questionnaire. 50 respondents took part, and they were among the local and international tourists in Pulau Sembilan, Pangkor. The purpose of doing this survey is to define and gain information about the tourist’s knowledge about marine tourism activities and coral reefs. The information collected will be used as the guideline in the process of producing smartphone application which will help educate the tourists so that the death and the breakdown of coral reefs in Malaysian Islands can be prevented.

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