Arni abd gani | Universiti Teknologi Mara (original) (raw)

Papers by Arni abd gani

Research paper thumbnail of Developing Madrasah Tourism Experience Model: Examining Tourist Psychological Variables through Systematic Literature Review

Information Management and Business Review, 2024

This study investigates the Madrasah Tourism Experience Model (MTEM), focusing on its role in und... more This study investigates the Madrasah Tourism Experience Model (MTEM), focusing on its role in understanding the complex interplay between cultural, psychological, and environmental factors in Madrasah tourism. Despite increasing interest in religious and cultural tourism, there is a significant research gap regarding the specific experiences and psychological impacts of visiting Madrasahs. This research addresses this gap by examining key psychological variables influencing tourists' experiences in these settings. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, the study analyses 16 carefully selected articles from 327,715 papers to construct a comprehensive model. It highlights how social interaction, cultural engagement, novelty, pleasantness, and relaxation contribute to the tourist experience. The findings extend existing theoretical frameworks by exploring how cultural exchange and hospitality within Madrasah tourism can enhance psychological well-being and satisfaction. Key findings indicate that Madrasah tourism can be significantly improved through tailored experiences, such as guided tours and interactive exhibits, and by creating serene, immersive environments. This approach reaffirms established theories and introduces new insights specific to Madrasah tourism. The implications are significant for both academic researchers and tourism practitioners. The MTEM offers practical guidelines for enhancing visitor experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices. By integrating cultural exchange and environmental stewardship, Madrasahs can provide more engaging and satisfying experiences, fostering long-term visitor loyalty and contributing to cultural and religious tourism.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Social Media on Hospitality and Tourism Management Students’ Academic Performance

International journal of academic research in business & social sciences, Feb 1, 2024

The aim of this study is to examine how social media affects students studying hospitality and to... more The aim of this study is to examine how social media affects students studying hospitality and tourism management in terms of their academic performance. The study's direction is determined by two objectives, which is exploring the usage and time spent of social media among Hospitality and Tourism Management students and investigating the relationship between social media usage and time spent on Hospitality and Tourism Management academic performance of students. A Google Form was used for submitting surveys to the respondents, and 386 responses were obtained and used for further analysis. Descriptive result of this study reported social media usage frequency is a more significant factor in determining its impact on individuals or society, rather than the amount of time spent on it. Further analysis and interpretation of the regression results could provide more insight into this relationship and the potential implications of these findings. It is proven that social media can be a valuable asset in the learning process when used properly, but it's important for students to be aware of its potential risks and take steps to use it in a responsible and productive manner.

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of International Tourists' Behavioural Intention to Visit Malaysia: A Conceptual Paper

Journal of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, 2024

International tourists' intention to visit Malaysia as an Islamic tourism destination is influenc... more International tourists' intention to visit Malaysia as an Islamic tourism destination is influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Through an extensive literature review, the study identifies TPB as a pivotal framework for comprehending the intentions and behaviors of visitors. The methodology employed is rooted in a quantitative approach, seeking to provide profound insights into the realms of international tourist experiences. By integrating the TPB, the research aims to deepen the understanding of the determinants of travel decisions and to craft effective strategies for enticing both Muslim and non-Muslim tourists to Malaysia. The review findings underscore the significance of aligning promotional strategies with visitor perceptions to bolster Malaysia's standing as a premier halal Muslim-friendly tourism destination globally. Methodologically, the study champions a rigorous quantitative approach coupled with appropriate data analysis techniques to extract meaningful insights. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) emerges as a key tool for unraveling the intricate relationships between diverse factors influencing tourist behavior, underscoring the study's commitment to thorough analysis and robust findings. This study employs an extended TPB (ETPB) model, including the constructs of tourist destination image, to predict the travel intentions of international tourists regarding their intention to travel to Malaysia, contributing to developing targeted strategies for promoting halal tourism and attracting more Muslim and non-Muslim tourists to Malaysia.

Research paper thumbnail of Attributes of successful public participation in planning for sustainable tourism in protected areas: a modified Delphi study

Pertanika journal of social science and humanities, 2015

Tourism in protected areas has developed and is becoming desirable attractions in many parts of t... more Tourism in protected areas has developed and is becoming desirable attractions in many parts of the world. The expanding of the industry into the fragile and sensitive areas necessitates proper planning and management to ensure balance in development and protection of the environment. Sustainable development has become the buzz word in planning. One important principle of sustainable development is to encourage true participation of the public in planning and decision making. In this study, a modified Delphi technique was introduced to determine whether an informed group of experts in protected area management could arrive at a consensus regarding the important attributes of a successful public participation. Three expert groups representing government agencies, nongovernmental agencies, and academics in Malaysia were presented with a questionnaire containing 30 attributes in two dimensions perceived as being the important dimensions in determining a successful public participation....

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Intrinsic Motivation on Hotel Employees’ Job Satisfaction

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of THE CONCEPT OF UMRAH DIY

VOICE OF ACADEMIA, 2023

The purpose of this paper is to define Umrah DIY. This paper is a systematic review on the concep... more The purpose of this paper is to define Umrah DIY. This paper is
a systematic review on the concept of Umrah DIY whereby
the paper will discuss a newly coined concept for religious
travel of a literature study on travel and co- creation value.
This research explored a niche segment of travellers who
choose not to use travel agents and make their own
arrangements to perform Umrah, and with the Saudi Arabia
Government's decision that had launched Tourist e-Visa in
September 2019, a window of opportunity has opened to
perform Umrah DIY trips. The paper provides new insights into
the definition of DIY traveller that focuses on religious travel
by combining with co- creation value. The findings are not
able to be generalized to other DIY conventional
travel/tourism markets. Opportunities for future empirical
research in the area can be broadened as a basis of
developing related religious tourism products and services in
Malaysia as well to extend the current literature on religious
travel.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Relationship Between Service Quality and Satisfaction Among Tourists to Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex

Selected Proceedings from the 1st International Conference on Contemporary Islamic Studies (ICIS 2021), 2022

Service quality and satisfaction has long been known to be closely related, where an increase in ... more Service quality and satisfaction has long been known to be closely related, where an increase in one is likely to lead to a rise in the other. This is especially important for tourism attractions as satisfied tourists will mean return visits and a better image. This study examines the relationship of service quality and satisfaction at a well-known Islamic attraction in Selangor using the SERVQUAL model. Data were collected from both domestic and international tourists who have visited the attraction and correlation analyses were conducted to answer the objectives. The results indicated that all components have a positive relationship with satisfaction, with assurance and responsiveness scoring the highest. This implies that quality management of an Islamic attraction must focus on providing confidence that all requirements will be fulfilled to ensure satisfaction of tourists. Furthermore, in an attraction that upholds the image of religion, paralleling these components becomes a paramount attention.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Relationship Between Service Quality and Satisfaction Among Tourists to Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex

Selected Proceedings from the 1st International Conference on Contemporary Islamic Studies, 2022

Service quality and satisfaction has long been known to be closely related, where an increase in ... more Service quality and satisfaction has long been known to be closely related, where an increase in one is likely to lead to a rise in the other. This is especially important for tourism attractions as satisfied tourists will mean return visits and a better image. This study examines the relationship of service quality and satisfaction at a well-known Islamic attraction in Selangor using the SERVQUAL model. Data were collected from both domestic and international tourists who have visited the attraction and correlation analyses were conducted to answer the objectives. The results indicated that all components have a positive relationship with satisfaction, with assurance and responsiveness scoring the highest. This implies that quality management of an Islamic attraction must focus on providing confidence that all requirements will be fulfilled to ensure satisfaction of tourists. Furthermore, in an attraction that upholds the image of religion, paralleling these components becomes a paramount attention.

Research paper thumbnail of Market Segmentation of Kuala Selangor’s Ecotourists’

The International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, Dec 23, 2018

Ecotourism sectors have gained significant attention from the tourism market these days. In Malay... more Ecotourism sectors have gained significant attention from the tourism market these days. In Malaysia, this sector is considered a niche market and have been growing steadily for more than a decade. This sector also has become an option for the country to generate income from the tourism industry. To achieve the viable ecotourism, one must tap the critical marketing elements of segmenting ecotourism to the right market and into the proper channels. This paper describes the profile of ecotourists' to Kuala Selangor based on the types of market segmentation such as demographic and psychographic in travel and tourism. Descriptive analysis is used to describe the profile of ecotourists' based on the market segmentation methods. This study found that ecotourists' characteristics vary and diverse in many aspects. The study also found that they are different in their tastes and preferences such as in the types of attractions offered in Kuala Selangor and their purpose of visiting the destination. This information provides value for destination managers in planning for future marketing strategies in sustaining the destination.

Research paper thumbnail of Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) on Tourism Destination Competitiveness in Mabul Island, Sabah

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2022

Mabul Island is a popular diving site for divers, with its main appeal of marine life as one of t... more Mabul Island is a popular diving site for divers, with its main appeal of marine life as one of the most visited islands in Malaysia. If the island is not protected from tourist activities, its image as a tourist destination may deteriorate. This research focuses on measuring the tourism destination competitiveness by evaluating the sustainable features of Mabul Island using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). The aim is to identify the most essential features of Mabul and evaluate its performance. The survey questionnaires were distributed to tourists who visited Mabul Island between 2017 and February 2020. Six (6) attributes that represent tourism destination competitiveness (TDC); destination management, natural resources, quality service and safety, location and accessibility, E-business, and sustainable tourism were tested. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation and later, paired t-tests were employed to examine the statistical differences between the means of importance and performance. Only two variables; locality and accessibility, and E-business indicated a statistical significance between importance and performance rated by respondents. The mean values were also plotted into the IPA matrix to visually present the results based on four (4) quadrants: Sustainable tourism is the only attribute in the 'keep up the good work' quadrant; Destination management, natural resources, and quality service and safety are in the 'low priority' quadrant; Location locality and accessibility is in 'concentrate here' quadrant; E-business is plotted in 'possible overkill' quadrant. These findings are the valuable information for Sabah Tourism and relevant authorities to enhance Mabul Island and ensure its competitiveness as a desired tourism destination in Malaysia. This study suggested tourism policymakers and destination managers to do necessary monitoring and assessment on a regular basis to preserve the island for tourism purposes.

Research paper thumbnail of The Emergence of a New Religious Travel Segment: Umrah Do It Yourself Travellers (Diy)

This research examines the rise of a new religious travel segmentthe Umrah Do It Yourself (DIY) t... more This research examines the rise of a new religious travel segmentthe Umrah Do It Yourself (DIY) travellers. While Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, Umrah is a minor Muslim pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year, while still playing a crucial role in the completion of Hajj rituals. In the past, Umrah was managed by an authorised travel agent, who makes all the necessary pilgrimage preparations, from flights to trip itineraries. Recent years have seen an upsurge in travellers who prefer not to utilise the services of such agencies, but instead, to make their own arrangements. The decision by the Saudi Arabian government to launch a Tourist e-Visa in September 2019 has opened a window of opportunity for the legalization of Umrah DIY journeys. The objectives of this study are (i) to explore the travel motives that contribute to the success of the Umrah DIY, and (ii) to explore the factors that support and facilitate the decision for the Umrah DIY. The data were obtained via 20 semi-structured interviews with Umrah DIY travellers. The findings show that flexibility, spirituality, and budget have a crucial impact on travel motivation. Additionally, the findings suggest that information sources, travel quality, companionship/new friendship, and familiarity facilitate the choice of Umrah DIY travel. This research contributes to the growing scholarship on the Muslim travel market beyond Hajj and to studies on independent religious travel. Findings provide an opportunity for suppliers and industry participants to understand the travel motives of this new segment as a basis for producing relevant religious tourism products and services.

Research paper thumbnail of The Culinary and Food Science: Its’ Integration via Kitchen Science Module (Cooking) to fascinate students towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2021

Cooking is not only to satisfy hunger and to produce palatable food. Behind the arts of cooking, ... more Cooking is not only to satisfy hunger and to produce palatable food. Behind the arts of cooking, there is food related sciences involved that is often overlooked. Food science elements can be explored through fermentation of bread, coagulation of eggs during preparation of mayonnaise and Maillard reaction during the grilling process of steak. There are many other cooking processes that involve the elements of science. Thus, this study explores the integration of cooking and food science elements via Kitchen Science Module to fascinate Secondary School students towards the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme. A qualitative research through observation has been employed to achieve the objective of the study. Kitchen Science Module has been used as the major tool in examining the fascination level of students towards the STEM programme. A direct exposure of knowledge kitchen science plus direct involvement with the cooking processes would fascinate and motivate secondary school students to pursue their future study in related fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics specifically.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Relationship between Promotional Tools and Tourists’ Intention to Visit the National Prison Museum in Melaka

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2021

Assessing the intention of tourists to visit an attraction is crucial for marketers, and especial... more Assessing the intention of tourists to visit an attraction is crucial for marketers, and especially significant in turmoil conditions such as during and post pandemic. For a special niche attraction that promotes dark tourism like prison, promotional tools are important to set a desirable image for tourists. This paper investigates the relationship between promotional tools and tourists' intention to visit the Malaysia Prison Museum, Melaka. The questionnaires were posted online on various platforms, and tourists who had not experienced visiting the attraction were selected as respondents. The results indicated that promotional tools were perceived important and were found positively related to their intention to visit. However, some issues concerning the applicability of different promotional tools surfaced. In today's digital world, having a great webpage and continuous updates on social media is inevitably one of the key successes in marketing. Furthermore, the study also concluded that the lack of support from the government and management in promoting the museum is probably the main reason why this attraction has yet to receive tourists' attention. This study provides good insights in tourists' perception of promotional tools used in niche market; which is dark tourism, and how it can motivate them to visit. The outcome of the study can be used as a guideline for any prison museum management that promotes dark tourism to develop more efficient and updated promotional tools and strategies.

Research paper thumbnail of Promoting Collaboration between Local Community and Park Management towards Sustainable Outdoor Recreation

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Local community participation in sustainable tourism planning of Malaysian protected areas

Research and Innovations, 2012

Local community participation has been acknowledged by many researchers as key factors towards ac... more Local community participation has been acknowledged by many researchers as key factors towards achieving sustainable development in protected areas. However, recreation and tourism planning especially in protected areas; often exist in seclusion from the elements that constitute social, environmental and economic aspects of the area. Thus, conflicts may arise between park management and the community such as conflict between different user groups and competing usage of the same scarce resource which eventually lead to much serious problems such as environmental degradation. Community participation in decision making is one approach to establish a sense of belonging that is important for general well-being and support sustainable development. This could bring positive outcome and active participation would enable park management and the authorities to develop new attractions in the park and offer more sustainable forms of recreation and tourism which suit the people. However, the ability to maintain a healthy environment and economy and to pursue a participatory democracy requires effective management of public involvement. In addition, it also requires understanding not only the conditions that may have the potential to create conflicts but most importantly is to comprehend what are the conditions that can promote a cooperative relationship among the local people and the park management and authorities. This paper outlines the human dimensions of local peoples' participation and also discusses on the approaches towards promoting effective involvement of local community in the decision making process in planning for tourism and recreation in protected areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) on Tourism Destination Competitiveness in Mabul Island, Sabah

International Journal Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2022

Mabul Island is a popular diving site for divers, with its main appeal of marine life as one of t... more Mabul Island is a popular diving site for divers, with its main appeal of marine life as one of the most visited islands in Malaysia. If the island is not protected from tourist activities, its image as a tourist destination may deteriorate. This research focuses on measuring the tourism destination competitiveness by evaluating the sustainable features of Mabul Island using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). The aim is to identify the most essential features of Mabul and evaluate its performance. The survey questionnaires were distributed to tourists who visited Mabul Island between 2017 and February 2020. Six (6) attributes that represent tourism destination competitiveness (TDC); destination management, natural resources, quality service and safety, location and accessibility, E-business, and sustainable tourism were tested. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation and later, paired t-tests were employed to examine the statistical differences between the means of importance and performance. Only two variables; locality and accessibility, and E-business indicated a statistical significance between importance and performance rated by respondents. The mean values were also plotted into the IPA matrix to visually present the results based on four (4) quadrants: Sustainable tourism is the only attribute in the 'keep up the good work' quadrant; Destination management, natural resources, and quality service and safety are in the 'low priority' quadrant; Location locality and accessibility is in 'concentrate here' quadrant; E-business is plotted in 'possible overkill' quadrant. These findings are the valuable information for Sabah Tourism and relevant authorities to enhance Mabul Island and ensure its competitiveness as a desired tourism destination in Malaysia. This study suggested tourism policymakers and destination managers to do necessary monitoring and assessment on a regular basis to preserve the island for tourism purposes.

Research paper thumbnail of THE EMERGENCE OF A NEW RELIGIOUS TRAVEL SEGMENT: UMRAH DO IT YOURSELF TRAVELLERS (DIY

Geojournal of tourism and geosites, 2022

This research examines the rise of a new religious travel segmentthe Umrah Do It Yourself (DIY) t... more This research examines the rise of a new religious travel segmentthe Umrah Do It Yourself (DIY) travellers. While Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, Umrah is a minor Muslim pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year, while still playing a crucial role in the completion of Hajj rituals. In the past, Umrah was managed by an authorised travel agent, who makes all the necessary pilgrimage preparations, from flights to trip itineraries. Recent years have seen an upsurge in travellers who prefer not to utilise the services of such agencies, but instead, to make their own arrangements. The decision by the Saudi Arabian government to launch a Tourist e-Visa in September 2019 has opened a window of opportunity for the legalization of Umrah DIY journeys. The objectives of this study are (i) to explore the travel motives that contribute to the success of the Umrah DIY, and (ii) to explore the factors that support and facilitate the decision for the Umrah DIY. The data were obtained via 20 semi-structured interviews with Umrah DIY travellers. The findings show that flexibility, spirituality, and budget have a crucial impact on travel motivation. Additionally, the findings suggest that information sources, travel quality, companionship/new friendship, and familiarity facilitate the choice of Umrah DIY travel. This research contributes to the growing scholarship on the Muslim travel market beyond Hajj and to studies on independent religious travel. Findings provide an opportunity for suppliers and industry participants to understand the travel motives of this new segment as a basis for producing relevant religious tourism products and services.

Research paper thumbnail of Accessing Sustainable Rural Tourism: A Qualitative Analysis of Gomantong Cave, Sabah

Advanced Science Letters, 2017

This research aims to explore features that befit sustainable rural tourism using Gomantong Cave,... more This research aims to explore features that befit sustainable rural tourism using Gomantong Cave, Sabah, as a site study. The advocation of consumption-driven tourism industry results in the emerging of various forms of tourism of which rural tourism is one of them. Rural tourism encourages the capitalization of resources in economically deprived rural areas, positively contributing to both tourism and communities involved. A qualitative approach spurred by in-depth interviews and observation guided this study. Findings suggest that Gomantong Cave offers potentially splendid rural tourism activities. However, the practice of extracting raw resources such as the swiftlets’ nest may not go well with the concept of sustainability. Another issue that plagues Gomantong Cave as a site for rural tourism even though it is geographically well placed within the tourist circuit is that the region is posed with some security issues. Safety is paramount for travellers when travelling away from home.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Destination Attributes on Tourists’ Behavioral Intentions to Kuala Selangor

Study the tourists’ satisfaction on destination attributes is vital for successful destination ma... more Study the tourists’ satisfaction on destination attributes is vital for successful destination marketing as it plays an important role in increasing the country economic growth. Besides, it is important to discover new attributes of destination image to strengthen the image construct, and it also played a significant role in tourist satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the influence of destination attributes and their behavioral intentions in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. A convenient sampling technique was used to select the sample. A total of 313 questionnaires were distributed to tourists at Kuala Selangor and were returned. The result from the finding suggests that tourists who have higher perceptions of the destination attributes of Kuala Selangor are more likely to have a positive experience and increasing behavioral intentions to revisit. Therefore, Kuala Selangor destination marketers need to pay attention to provide customers with uniqu...

Research paper thumbnail of Market Segmentation of Kuala Selangor’s Ecotourists’

Ecotourism sectors have gained significant attention from the tourism market these days. In Malay... more Ecotourism sectors have gained significant attention from the tourism market these days. In Malaysia, this sector is considered a niche market and have been growing steadily for more than a decade. This sector also has become an option for the country to generate income from the tourism industry. To achieve the viable ecotourism, one must tap the critical marketing elements of segmenting ecotourism to the right market and into the proper channels. This paper describes the profile of ecotourists’ to Kuala Selangor based on the types of market segmentation such as demographic and psychographic in travel and tourism. Descriptive analysis is used to describe the profile of ecotourists’ based on the market segmentation methods. This study found that ecotourists’ characteristics vary and diverse in many aspects. The study also found that they are different in their tastes and preferences such as in the types of attractions offered in Kuala Selangor and their purpose of visiting the destin...

Research paper thumbnail of Developing Madrasah Tourism Experience Model: Examining Tourist Psychological Variables through Systematic Literature Review

Information Management and Business Review, 2024

This study investigates the Madrasah Tourism Experience Model (MTEM), focusing on its role in und... more This study investigates the Madrasah Tourism Experience Model (MTEM), focusing on its role in understanding the complex interplay between cultural, psychological, and environmental factors in Madrasah tourism. Despite increasing interest in religious and cultural tourism, there is a significant research gap regarding the specific experiences and psychological impacts of visiting Madrasahs. This research addresses this gap by examining key psychological variables influencing tourists' experiences in these settings. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, the study analyses 16 carefully selected articles from 327,715 papers to construct a comprehensive model. It highlights how social interaction, cultural engagement, novelty, pleasantness, and relaxation contribute to the tourist experience. The findings extend existing theoretical frameworks by exploring how cultural exchange and hospitality within Madrasah tourism can enhance psychological well-being and satisfaction. Key findings indicate that Madrasah tourism can be significantly improved through tailored experiences, such as guided tours and interactive exhibits, and by creating serene, immersive environments. This approach reaffirms established theories and introduces new insights specific to Madrasah tourism. The implications are significant for both academic researchers and tourism practitioners. The MTEM offers practical guidelines for enhancing visitor experiences and promoting sustainable tourism practices. By integrating cultural exchange and environmental stewardship, Madrasahs can provide more engaging and satisfying experiences, fostering long-term visitor loyalty and contributing to cultural and religious tourism.

Research paper thumbnail of The Impact of Social Media on Hospitality and Tourism Management Students’ Academic Performance

International journal of academic research in business & social sciences, Feb 1, 2024

The aim of this study is to examine how social media affects students studying hospitality and to... more The aim of this study is to examine how social media affects students studying hospitality and tourism management in terms of their academic performance. The study's direction is determined by two objectives, which is exploring the usage and time spent of social media among Hospitality and Tourism Management students and investigating the relationship between social media usage and time spent on Hospitality and Tourism Management academic performance of students. A Google Form was used for submitting surveys to the respondents, and 386 responses were obtained and used for further analysis. Descriptive result of this study reported social media usage frequency is a more significant factor in determining its impact on individuals or society, rather than the amount of time spent on it. Further analysis and interpretation of the regression results could provide more insight into this relationship and the potential implications of these findings. It is proven that social media can be a valuable asset in the learning process when used properly, but it's important for students to be aware of its potential risks and take steps to use it in a responsible and productive manner.

Research paper thumbnail of Predictors of International Tourists' Behavioural Intention to Visit Malaysia: A Conceptual Paper

Journal of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, 2024

International tourists' intention to visit Malaysia as an Islamic tourism destination is influenc... more International tourists' intention to visit Malaysia as an Islamic tourism destination is influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Through an extensive literature review, the study identifies TPB as a pivotal framework for comprehending the intentions and behaviors of visitors. The methodology employed is rooted in a quantitative approach, seeking to provide profound insights into the realms of international tourist experiences. By integrating the TPB, the research aims to deepen the understanding of the determinants of travel decisions and to craft effective strategies for enticing both Muslim and non-Muslim tourists to Malaysia. The review findings underscore the significance of aligning promotional strategies with visitor perceptions to bolster Malaysia's standing as a premier halal Muslim-friendly tourism destination globally. Methodologically, the study champions a rigorous quantitative approach coupled with appropriate data analysis techniques to extract meaningful insights. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) emerges as a key tool for unraveling the intricate relationships between diverse factors influencing tourist behavior, underscoring the study's commitment to thorough analysis and robust findings. This study employs an extended TPB (ETPB) model, including the constructs of tourist destination image, to predict the travel intentions of international tourists regarding their intention to travel to Malaysia, contributing to developing targeted strategies for promoting halal tourism and attracting more Muslim and non-Muslim tourists to Malaysia.

Research paper thumbnail of Attributes of successful public participation in planning for sustainable tourism in protected areas: a modified Delphi study

Pertanika journal of social science and humanities, 2015

Tourism in protected areas has developed and is becoming desirable attractions in many parts of t... more Tourism in protected areas has developed and is becoming desirable attractions in many parts of the world. The expanding of the industry into the fragile and sensitive areas necessitates proper planning and management to ensure balance in development and protection of the environment. Sustainable development has become the buzz word in planning. One important principle of sustainable development is to encourage true participation of the public in planning and decision making. In this study, a modified Delphi technique was introduced to determine whether an informed group of experts in protected area management could arrive at a consensus regarding the important attributes of a successful public participation. Three expert groups representing government agencies, nongovernmental agencies, and academics in Malaysia were presented with a questionnaire containing 30 attributes in two dimensions perceived as being the important dimensions in determining a successful public participation....

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Intrinsic Motivation on Hotel Employees’ Job Satisfaction

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

Research paper thumbnail of THE CONCEPT OF UMRAH DIY

VOICE OF ACADEMIA, 2023

The purpose of this paper is to define Umrah DIY. This paper is a systematic review on the concep... more The purpose of this paper is to define Umrah DIY. This paper is
a systematic review on the concept of Umrah DIY whereby
the paper will discuss a newly coined concept for religious
travel of a literature study on travel and co- creation value.
This research explored a niche segment of travellers who
choose not to use travel agents and make their own
arrangements to perform Umrah, and with the Saudi Arabia
Government's decision that had launched Tourist e-Visa in
September 2019, a window of opportunity has opened to
perform Umrah DIY trips. The paper provides new insights into
the definition of DIY traveller that focuses on religious travel
by combining with co- creation value. The findings are not
able to be generalized to other DIY conventional
travel/tourism markets. Opportunities for future empirical
research in the area can be broadened as a basis of
developing related religious tourism products and services in
Malaysia as well to extend the current literature on religious
travel.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Relationship Between Service Quality and Satisfaction Among Tourists to Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex

Selected Proceedings from the 1st International Conference on Contemporary Islamic Studies (ICIS 2021), 2022

Service quality and satisfaction has long been known to be closely related, where an increase in ... more Service quality and satisfaction has long been known to be closely related, where an increase in one is likely to lead to a rise in the other. This is especially important for tourism attractions as satisfied tourists will mean return visits and a better image. This study examines the relationship of service quality and satisfaction at a well-known Islamic attraction in Selangor using the SERVQUAL model. Data were collected from both domestic and international tourists who have visited the attraction and correlation analyses were conducted to answer the objectives. The results indicated that all components have a positive relationship with satisfaction, with assurance and responsiveness scoring the highest. This implies that quality management of an Islamic attraction must focus on providing confidence that all requirements will be fulfilled to ensure satisfaction of tourists. Furthermore, in an attraction that upholds the image of religion, paralleling these components becomes a paramount attention.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Relationship Between Service Quality and Satisfaction Among Tourists to Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex

Selected Proceedings from the 1st International Conference on Contemporary Islamic Studies, 2022

Service quality and satisfaction has long been known to be closely related, where an increase in ... more Service quality and satisfaction has long been known to be closely related, where an increase in one is likely to lead to a rise in the other. This is especially important for tourism attractions as satisfied tourists will mean return visits and a better image. This study examines the relationship of service quality and satisfaction at a well-known Islamic attraction in Selangor using the SERVQUAL model. Data were collected from both domestic and international tourists who have visited the attraction and correlation analyses were conducted to answer the objectives. The results indicated that all components have a positive relationship with satisfaction, with assurance and responsiveness scoring the highest. This implies that quality management of an Islamic attraction must focus on providing confidence that all requirements will be fulfilled to ensure satisfaction of tourists. Furthermore, in an attraction that upholds the image of religion, paralleling these components becomes a paramount attention.

Research paper thumbnail of Market Segmentation of Kuala Selangor’s Ecotourists’

The International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, Dec 23, 2018

Ecotourism sectors have gained significant attention from the tourism market these days. In Malay... more Ecotourism sectors have gained significant attention from the tourism market these days. In Malaysia, this sector is considered a niche market and have been growing steadily for more than a decade. This sector also has become an option for the country to generate income from the tourism industry. To achieve the viable ecotourism, one must tap the critical marketing elements of segmenting ecotourism to the right market and into the proper channels. This paper describes the profile of ecotourists' to Kuala Selangor based on the types of market segmentation such as demographic and psychographic in travel and tourism. Descriptive analysis is used to describe the profile of ecotourists' based on the market segmentation methods. This study found that ecotourists' characteristics vary and diverse in many aspects. The study also found that they are different in their tastes and preferences such as in the types of attractions offered in Kuala Selangor and their purpose of visiting the destination. This information provides value for destination managers in planning for future marketing strategies in sustaining the destination.

Research paper thumbnail of Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) on Tourism Destination Competitiveness in Mabul Island, Sabah

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2022

Mabul Island is a popular diving site for divers, with its main appeal of marine life as one of t... more Mabul Island is a popular diving site for divers, with its main appeal of marine life as one of the most visited islands in Malaysia. If the island is not protected from tourist activities, its image as a tourist destination may deteriorate. This research focuses on measuring the tourism destination competitiveness by evaluating the sustainable features of Mabul Island using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). The aim is to identify the most essential features of Mabul and evaluate its performance. The survey questionnaires were distributed to tourists who visited Mabul Island between 2017 and February 2020. Six (6) attributes that represent tourism destination competitiveness (TDC); destination management, natural resources, quality service and safety, location and accessibility, E-business, and sustainable tourism were tested. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation and later, paired t-tests were employed to examine the statistical differences between the means of importance and performance. Only two variables; locality and accessibility, and E-business indicated a statistical significance between importance and performance rated by respondents. The mean values were also plotted into the IPA matrix to visually present the results based on four (4) quadrants: Sustainable tourism is the only attribute in the 'keep up the good work' quadrant; Destination management, natural resources, and quality service and safety are in the 'low priority' quadrant; Location locality and accessibility is in 'concentrate here' quadrant; E-business is plotted in 'possible overkill' quadrant. These findings are the valuable information for Sabah Tourism and relevant authorities to enhance Mabul Island and ensure its competitiveness as a desired tourism destination in Malaysia. This study suggested tourism policymakers and destination managers to do necessary monitoring and assessment on a regular basis to preserve the island for tourism purposes.

Research paper thumbnail of The Emergence of a New Religious Travel Segment: Umrah Do It Yourself Travellers (Diy)

This research examines the rise of a new religious travel segmentthe Umrah Do It Yourself (DIY) t... more This research examines the rise of a new religious travel segmentthe Umrah Do It Yourself (DIY) travellers. While Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, Umrah is a minor Muslim pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year, while still playing a crucial role in the completion of Hajj rituals. In the past, Umrah was managed by an authorised travel agent, who makes all the necessary pilgrimage preparations, from flights to trip itineraries. Recent years have seen an upsurge in travellers who prefer not to utilise the services of such agencies, but instead, to make their own arrangements. The decision by the Saudi Arabian government to launch a Tourist e-Visa in September 2019 has opened a window of opportunity for the legalization of Umrah DIY journeys. The objectives of this study are (i) to explore the travel motives that contribute to the success of the Umrah DIY, and (ii) to explore the factors that support and facilitate the decision for the Umrah DIY. The data were obtained via 20 semi-structured interviews with Umrah DIY travellers. The findings show that flexibility, spirituality, and budget have a crucial impact on travel motivation. Additionally, the findings suggest that information sources, travel quality, companionship/new friendship, and familiarity facilitate the choice of Umrah DIY travel. This research contributes to the growing scholarship on the Muslim travel market beyond Hajj and to studies on independent religious travel. Findings provide an opportunity for suppliers and industry participants to understand the travel motives of this new segment as a basis for producing relevant religious tourism products and services.

Research paper thumbnail of The Culinary and Food Science: Its’ Integration via Kitchen Science Module (Cooking) to fascinate students towards Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2021

Cooking is not only to satisfy hunger and to produce palatable food. Behind the arts of cooking, ... more Cooking is not only to satisfy hunger and to produce palatable food. Behind the arts of cooking, there is food related sciences involved that is often overlooked. Food science elements can be explored through fermentation of bread, coagulation of eggs during preparation of mayonnaise and Maillard reaction during the grilling process of steak. There are many other cooking processes that involve the elements of science. Thus, this study explores the integration of cooking and food science elements via Kitchen Science Module to fascinate Secondary School students towards the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme. A qualitative research through observation has been employed to achieve the objective of the study. Kitchen Science Module has been used as the major tool in examining the fascination level of students towards the STEM programme. A direct exposure of knowledge kitchen science plus direct involvement with the cooking processes would fascinate and motivate secondary school students to pursue their future study in related fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics specifically.

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Relationship between Promotional Tools and Tourists’ Intention to Visit the National Prison Museum in Melaka

International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2021

Assessing the intention of tourists to visit an attraction is crucial for marketers, and especial... more Assessing the intention of tourists to visit an attraction is crucial for marketers, and especially significant in turmoil conditions such as during and post pandemic. For a special niche attraction that promotes dark tourism like prison, promotional tools are important to set a desirable image for tourists. This paper investigates the relationship between promotional tools and tourists' intention to visit the Malaysia Prison Museum, Melaka. The questionnaires were posted online on various platforms, and tourists who had not experienced visiting the attraction were selected as respondents. The results indicated that promotional tools were perceived important and were found positively related to their intention to visit. However, some issues concerning the applicability of different promotional tools surfaced. In today's digital world, having a great webpage and continuous updates on social media is inevitably one of the key successes in marketing. Furthermore, the study also concluded that the lack of support from the government and management in promoting the museum is probably the main reason why this attraction has yet to receive tourists' attention. This study provides good insights in tourists' perception of promotional tools used in niche market; which is dark tourism, and how it can motivate them to visit. The outcome of the study can be used as a guideline for any prison museum management that promotes dark tourism to develop more efficient and updated promotional tools and strategies.

Research paper thumbnail of Promoting Collaboration between Local Community and Park Management towards Sustainable Outdoor Recreation

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of Local community participation in sustainable tourism planning of Malaysian protected areas

Research and Innovations, 2012

Local community participation has been acknowledged by many researchers as key factors towards ac... more Local community participation has been acknowledged by many researchers as key factors towards achieving sustainable development in protected areas. However, recreation and tourism planning especially in protected areas; often exist in seclusion from the elements that constitute social, environmental and economic aspects of the area. Thus, conflicts may arise between park management and the community such as conflict between different user groups and competing usage of the same scarce resource which eventually lead to much serious problems such as environmental degradation. Community participation in decision making is one approach to establish a sense of belonging that is important for general well-being and support sustainable development. This could bring positive outcome and active participation would enable park management and the authorities to develop new attractions in the park and offer more sustainable forms of recreation and tourism which suit the people. However, the ability to maintain a healthy environment and economy and to pursue a participatory democracy requires effective management of public involvement. In addition, it also requires understanding not only the conditions that may have the potential to create conflicts but most importantly is to comprehend what are the conditions that can promote a cooperative relationship among the local people and the park management and authorities. This paper outlines the human dimensions of local peoples' participation and also discusses on the approaches towards promoting effective involvement of local community in the decision making process in planning for tourism and recreation in protected areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) on Tourism Destination Competitiveness in Mabul Island, Sabah

International Journal Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2022

Mabul Island is a popular diving site for divers, with its main appeal of marine life as one of t... more Mabul Island is a popular diving site for divers, with its main appeal of marine life as one of the most visited islands in Malaysia. If the island is not protected from tourist activities, its image as a tourist destination may deteriorate. This research focuses on measuring the tourism destination competitiveness by evaluating the sustainable features of Mabul Island using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA). The aim is to identify the most essential features of Mabul and evaluate its performance. The survey questionnaires were distributed to tourists who visited Mabul Island between 2017 and February 2020. Six (6) attributes that represent tourism destination competitiveness (TDC); destination management, natural resources, quality service and safety, location and accessibility, E-business, and sustainable tourism were tested. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation and later, paired t-tests were employed to examine the statistical differences between the means of importance and performance. Only two variables; locality and accessibility, and E-business indicated a statistical significance between importance and performance rated by respondents. The mean values were also plotted into the IPA matrix to visually present the results based on four (4) quadrants: Sustainable tourism is the only attribute in the 'keep up the good work' quadrant; Destination management, natural resources, and quality service and safety are in the 'low priority' quadrant; Location locality and accessibility is in 'concentrate here' quadrant; E-business is plotted in 'possible overkill' quadrant. These findings are the valuable information for Sabah Tourism and relevant authorities to enhance Mabul Island and ensure its competitiveness as a desired tourism destination in Malaysia. This study suggested tourism policymakers and destination managers to do necessary monitoring and assessment on a regular basis to preserve the island for tourism purposes.

Research paper thumbnail of THE EMERGENCE OF A NEW RELIGIOUS TRAVEL SEGMENT: UMRAH DO IT YOURSELF TRAVELLERS (DIY

Geojournal of tourism and geosites, 2022

This research examines the rise of a new religious travel segmentthe Umrah Do It Yourself (DIY) t... more This research examines the rise of a new religious travel segmentthe Umrah Do It Yourself (DIY) travellers. While Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, Umrah is a minor Muslim pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time of the year, while still playing a crucial role in the completion of Hajj rituals. In the past, Umrah was managed by an authorised travel agent, who makes all the necessary pilgrimage preparations, from flights to trip itineraries. Recent years have seen an upsurge in travellers who prefer not to utilise the services of such agencies, but instead, to make their own arrangements. The decision by the Saudi Arabian government to launch a Tourist e-Visa in September 2019 has opened a window of opportunity for the legalization of Umrah DIY journeys. The objectives of this study are (i) to explore the travel motives that contribute to the success of the Umrah DIY, and (ii) to explore the factors that support and facilitate the decision for the Umrah DIY. The data were obtained via 20 semi-structured interviews with Umrah DIY travellers. The findings show that flexibility, spirituality, and budget have a crucial impact on travel motivation. Additionally, the findings suggest that information sources, travel quality, companionship/new friendship, and familiarity facilitate the choice of Umrah DIY travel. This research contributes to the growing scholarship on the Muslim travel market beyond Hajj and to studies on independent religious travel. Findings provide an opportunity for suppliers and industry participants to understand the travel motives of this new segment as a basis for producing relevant religious tourism products and services.

Research paper thumbnail of Accessing Sustainable Rural Tourism: A Qualitative Analysis of Gomantong Cave, Sabah

Advanced Science Letters, 2017

This research aims to explore features that befit sustainable rural tourism using Gomantong Cave,... more This research aims to explore features that befit sustainable rural tourism using Gomantong Cave, Sabah, as a site study. The advocation of consumption-driven tourism industry results in the emerging of various forms of tourism of which rural tourism is one of them. Rural tourism encourages the capitalization of resources in economically deprived rural areas, positively contributing to both tourism and communities involved. A qualitative approach spurred by in-depth interviews and observation guided this study. Findings suggest that Gomantong Cave offers potentially splendid rural tourism activities. However, the practice of extracting raw resources such as the swiftlets’ nest may not go well with the concept of sustainability. Another issue that plagues Gomantong Cave as a site for rural tourism even though it is geographically well placed within the tourist circuit is that the region is posed with some security issues. Safety is paramount for travellers when travelling away from home.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Destination Attributes on Tourists’ Behavioral Intentions to Kuala Selangor

Study the tourists’ satisfaction on destination attributes is vital for successful destination ma... more Study the tourists’ satisfaction on destination attributes is vital for successful destination marketing as it plays an important role in increasing the country economic growth. Besides, it is important to discover new attributes of destination image to strengthen the image construct, and it also played a significant role in tourist satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the influence of destination attributes and their behavioral intentions in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. A convenient sampling technique was used to select the sample. A total of 313 questionnaires were distributed to tourists at Kuala Selangor and were returned. The result from the finding suggests that tourists who have higher perceptions of the destination attributes of Kuala Selangor are more likely to have a positive experience and increasing behavioral intentions to revisit. Therefore, Kuala Selangor destination marketers need to pay attention to provide customers with uniqu...

Research paper thumbnail of Market Segmentation of Kuala Selangor’s Ecotourists’

Ecotourism sectors have gained significant attention from the tourism market these days. In Malay... more Ecotourism sectors have gained significant attention from the tourism market these days. In Malaysia, this sector is considered a niche market and have been growing steadily for more than a decade. This sector also has become an option for the country to generate income from the tourism industry. To achieve the viable ecotourism, one must tap the critical marketing elements of segmenting ecotourism to the right market and into the proper channels. This paper describes the profile of ecotourists’ to Kuala Selangor based on the types of market segmentation such as demographic and psychographic in travel and tourism. Descriptive analysis is used to describe the profile of ecotourists’ based on the market segmentation methods. This study found that ecotourists’ characteristics vary and diverse in many aspects. The study also found that they are different in their tastes and preferences such as in the types of attractions offered in Kuala Selangor and their purpose of visiting the destin...