The 3rd International Halal (Muslim-Friendly) Congress in Izmir, Turkey, brought together global experts to discuss the latest innovations and strategies in halal tourism. One of the most compelling sessions featured Asst. Prof. Dr. Che Wan Nur Safraa from Management and Science University, Malaysia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marco Valeri from Niccolo Cusano University, Italy, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Norhidayah Azman, also from Management and Science University, Malaysia. Their presentation, “Community-Based Agro-Ecotourism Sustainability in Waste Management as a Catalyst for Tourism Development: Insights from Oil Palm Plantation in Sabah, Malaysia,” offered a unique perspective on leveraging sustainable practices for tourism growth.
Integrating Community and Sustainability in Malaysia
Asst. Prof. Dr. Che Wan Nur Safraa began by emphasizing the importance of integrating community involvement with sustainable tourism practices. She highlighted the oil palm plantations in Sabah, Malaysia, as a case study of how local communities can play a vital role in sustainable waste management and agro-ecotourism.
Dr. Safraa discussed the potential for agro-ecotourism to provide economic benefits to local communities while promoting environmental conservation. By involving the community in tourism activities, such as guided tours of plantations and hands-on agricultural experiences, locals can benefit economically while fostering a deeper connection to their environment.
European Insights on Sustainable Tourism
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marco Valeri from Niccolo Cusano University in Italy provided a European perspective on sustainable tourism. He emphasized the global importance of sustainable waste management practices and their impact on tourism development. Dr. Valeri highlighted that the principles applied in Sabah could serve as a model for other regions worldwide.
He discussed the critical role of collaboration between local communities, governments, and the private sector in achieving sustainable tourism goals. By adopting a holistic approach to waste management and sustainability, destinations can enhance their appeal to environmentally conscious travelers and set themselves apart in the competitive tourism market.
Practical Applications in Agro-Ecotourism
Asst. Prof. Dr. Norhidayah Azman focused on the practical applications of agro-ecotourism in Sabah’s oil palm plantations. She detailed specific initiatives implemented to manage waste sustainably and promote tourism.
Dr. Azman highlighted the creation of eco-friendly facilities, such as composting systems and recycling programs, that reduce environmental impact while educating tourists about sustainable practices. She also discussed the development of eco-tour packages that offer unique experiences, such as harvesting palm oil and participating in traditional agricultural practices, which attract tourists looking for authentic and educational travel experiences.
A Unified Vision for Sustainable Tourism
The session underscored a unified vision for sustainable tourism integrating community involvement, environmental conservation, and economic development. The speakers collectively emphasized the importance of sustainable waste management as a catalyst for tourism development, providing a model that can be replicated in other regions.
Future Prospects and Opportunities
The insights shared by Dr. Safraa, Dr. Valeri, and Dr. Azman at the 3rd International Halal Congress highlighted the immense potential for community-based agro-ecotourism in promoting sustainability and driving tourism growth. They stressed that with continued investment in sustainable practices and community engagement, regions like Sabah can become leading destinations for eco-conscious travelers.
The presentation at the 3rd International Halal Congress in Izmir by Asst. Prof. Dr. Che Wan Nur Safraa, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marco Valeri, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Norhidayah Azman showcased the critical role of sustainable waste management and community involvement in developing successful agro-ecotourism initiatives. Their insights provided valuable guidance for regions looking to enhance their tourism appeal while promoting environmental conservation.
As the global tourism industry continues to evolve, the principles discussed at the congress offer a roadmap for integrating sustainability into tourism development. By following these strategies, destinations worldwide can attract eco-conscious travelers, support local communities, and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
Muslim Women in Travel – Sadia Ramazan’s Inclusivity Call at 3rd Halal Congress
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.