Visitors` satisfaction on agro-tourism project : a case study of the National Botanical Garden, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

Agro-tourism is one of the important sectors that contributes to the development of tourism in Malaysia. In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries has embarked on a number of agro-tourism projects which include the National Botanical Garden in Bukit Cerakah, Selangor, Malaysia, considered to be an iconic agro-tourism project in Malaysia. The study examines the visitors’ satisfaction on the state of tourist products, activities and provision of facilities. As part of the research methodology, this study employed a number of methods that included a questionnaire survey and site observations. A total number of 120 respondents were involved in this questionnaire survey. The findings indicate that the park is in dire conditions where evidence of vandalism, lack of maintenance and lack of tourist activities can be seen clearly. As part of the strategies to further enhance the iconic status of the National Botanical Park, Malaysia, it is recommended that the responsible authorities under the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries undertake a number of efforts such as increase safety and security facilities, provide more activities and improve park maintenance.