Abstract

The George Town heritage area in Malaysia was listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2008. Such a nomination brings international accountability with extensive constructive influence on the local and regional development processes as the tourism industry is the second largest source of foreign exchange revenue in Malaysia. Drawing on the socio-economic effects of livability in environmental development on the George Town heritage area, the research goal is to advance the livability in the George Town heritage area in two stages. Initially, the research focuses on the livability concepts and principals as important elements to recognize the significance of livability. Secondly, the study attempts to identify the impact of livability in the George Town heritage area based on evidence drawn from other contexts, such as Central Europe. Consequently, the research addresses the role of livability to improve the built environment, safety, public participation, cultural identity and tourist satisfaction in different communities, especially in the heritage area. By considering the role of the tourism industry in Malaysia’s economic growth, the research concludes that livability is a very important component that ensures the improvement of the environment, including the facilities and infrastructure, and encourages people’s contribution to develop George Town heritage area to be a better tourist attraction. However, conversely, increasing the quality of the habitation in the Malaysian heritage area has still not been properly addressed.

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