Community-Based Ecotourism (CBE) plays an important role in strengthening local economies by generating income, promoting conservation, and preserving cultural identity. However, many CBE efforts in developing regions such as Kelantan, Malaysia, continue to face economic uncertainty, limited resources, and external disruptions that challenge their long-term sustainability. The study aimed to examine the resilience strategies adopted by CBE entrepreneurs in sustaining their livelihoods and enterprises amidst these challenges. Using a qualitative single case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, field observations, and document analysis to explore adaptation practices among CBE entrepreneurs. These findings reveal that these entrepreneurs are using digitalization to expand market access, adopt cost control measures to maintain financial stability, and implement environmentally sustainable practices to protect local ecosystems. 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Author Biographies
Zakiyah Taharim, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan
Zakiyah Taharim is a postgraduate student in the Master of Entrepreneurship (Tourism) program at the Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism, and Wellness (FHPK), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK). Her study focuses on community-based ecotourism, entrepreneurship, resilience, and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on qualitative and community-engaged research. She contributed to writing two chapters in books with supervisors and published four case studies under the Global Entrepreneurship Research and Innovation Centre (GERIC). She has also participated in the Global Wellness Conference (Glow 2024). Passionate about entrepreneurial experiences that have engagement with the community, she continues to advance research in her study fields.
Velan Kunjuraman
Dr Velan Kunjuraman is a Senior Lecturer in the Anthropology and Sociology program at the Centre for Research in Development, Social and Environment (SEEDS), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). His research focuses on sustainable tourism, indigenous communities, rural development, and community resilience from a sociological perspective. He has published widely in reputable journals and books, particularly on community-based tourism, rural livelihoods, and sustainability issues in Southeast Asia. Dr Velan has received multiple national and international recognitions, including the Inspiring Changemaker Award and the Giving Economy Award 2024, for his contributions to community empowerment. He actively supervises postgraduate students and collaborates with researchers and institutions globally. His work continues to advance knowledge in social sustainability, community engagement, and transformative rural development.
Raja Norliana Raja Omar
Raja Norliana Raja Omar is a researcher and Lecturer at the Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK). Her work focuses on volunteer tourism, Islamic tourism, and event management, with a strong emphasis on qualitative and community-engaged research. She was recently recognised as an Ikon SULAM during UMK’s Sambutan Hari Akademia for her outstanding contributions to service-learning and community collaboration. Raja Norliana actively leads impactful SULAM projects and champions experiential learning that connects students with real societal needs. She has also contributed to academic leadership through roles such as Deputy Director (Marketing) at UMK’s International Centre. Passionate about human experiences in tourism, she continues to advance research that bridges theory, culture, and community empowerment.
