Examining the relationship between support for tourism development, economic and socio-cultural benefits, perceived costs and community well-being: The case of Kinabalu Geopark, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of tourism (geopark) development support in mediating the relationship between economic and socio-cultural benefits perceived costs of tourism (geopark) development, and community well-being in the context of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. According to the study’s findings from 301 participants, economic and socio-cultural benefits have a significant impact on community well-being, and support for geopark development partially mediates the relationships. However, perceived costs did not have influence on community well-being. The study theoretically extended and enriched the literature on geopark development by emphasising the significance of including community well-being in the conceptualization. In regard to the contribution to policy makers, the study revealed the importance of inclusive policy in developing strategic geopark development.