Local Community Perspectives on the Conservation of Cultural and Heritage Values in Georgetown, Penang Amidst the Challenges of Overtourism

Georgetown became Malaysia’s top tourist destination after being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) in 2008. This recognition led to significant changes in land use and socio-economic dynamics, driven by local investments and policy shifts. However, these changes also brought challenges associated with overtourism, which affect the local community and the preservation of cultural and heritage values. This research explores the attitudes of Georgetown’s community toward heritage conservation, particularly in light of overtourism. Using a descriptive approach, the findings show that most respondents view conservation positively, linking it to social and economic benefits. However, some expressed concerns about overtourism’s negative impacts, such as overcrowding and strain on resources. Despite these issues, strong community support for the sustainability of the WHS remains. The study emphasizes the importance of balancing heritage preservation with tourism management, advocating for active community involvement to mitigate overtourism’s effects and ensure long-term sustainability.