Chapter 2: Nature-based Tourism

Ecotourism forms a central focus of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign aligned with Malaysia’s National Ecotourism Plan (2016–2025). The country is endowed with rich natural resources including pristine beaches, 
national parks, islands, and diverse landscapes that support a wide range of leisure and recreational activities such as hiking, trekking, birdwatching, snorkelling, diving, waterskiing, and turtle observation. These attractions provide opportunities for immersive experiences that appeal to eco-tourists who are increasingly concerned with biodiversity conservation, sustainable practices, and the environmental integrity of destinations. To ensure the long-term sustainability of ecotourism, potential issues such as overdevelopment, improper zoning, exceeding carrying capacities, and adverse tourism impacts must be minimised. Equally important is the continuous improvement and maintenance of infrastructure to meet the growing expectations and demands of visitors while preserving the ecological balance. Future directions for Malaysia’s ecotourism development may include the promotion of voluntourism allowing tourists to actively contribute to local conservation and community initiatives and the expansion of accessible dive tourism providing inclusive opportunities for a wider range of travellers to engage with marine environments. By integrating 
sustainability principles with strategic infrastructure planning and novel tourism offerings, Malaysia can strengthen its position as a premier ecotourism destination ensuring that both natural heritage and visitor satisfaction are preserved for future generations.