Spatial Structure of Tourism in Peninsular Malaysia A Preliminary Study

Abstract

This study analysed the spatial variation of tourism in Peninsular Malaysia. Hotel accommodation inventories, compiled hotel guest statistics, and surveys of departing visitors were used to identify the spatial distribution of tourism. The study disclosed considerable differences between the various tourist regions. Tourism was concentrated on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, while the East Coast lacked in both hotel accommodation and tourists. Spatial variation existed also between domestic and foreign tourists. The latter were more prominent in the big cities and tourism resorts, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Malacca, while the former prevailed in the predominantly rural areas.