The Trend of Youth Visitations at Kilim Geopark in Langkawi Islands, Malaysia

Abstract

This chapter provides insights on youth visitation to KILIM Geopark in relation to tourism activities, hospitality services expectation, and three visitation characteristics. Within a two-month data gathering period, 142 respondents from youths aged 18 to 30 of various nationalities were collected. As geopark tourism activity is a relatively new trend of the nature-based tourism industry, it is assumed the populace will look forward to a distinctively novel tourism experience, and thus, views tourism from a new perspective. Additionally, the populace is determined as the targeted group given the widely known tradition of this group's road trip patterns and engagement. When analyzing the data by means of one-way ANOVA, T-test, Correlation, Regression, and Correspondence analyses, interesting results were observed with regard to visitation characteristics, environmental attitudes, and attractions management aspects. Considering the results presented, practical and sensible solutions are discussed in relation to how youths perceived KILIM Geopark.