Sustainability-Driven Green City Framework and its Impact on Malaysia’s Tourism Industry Development

Abstract

The sustainability-driven Green City framework has emerged as a transformative urban development framework with direct implications for tourism industry growth. This study examines how Green City principles contribute to Malaysia’s tourism industry development, focusing on Melaka as a key case study due to its proactive implementation of the Green City Action Plan (GCAP). Using a mixed-method research design comprising policy analysis, surveys (n = 308), and semi-structured interviews with government officers and local authorities, this study identifies strong associations between green governance, environmental literacy, community readiness, and tourism industry outcomes. Findings indicate that sustainable urban practices—such as green mobility, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and smart environmental management—enhance tourism competitiveness and overall destination appeal. However, behavioural inconsistencies between workplace and household practices, coupled with governance coordination gaps and limited private-sector participation, remain significant challenges. The study concludes that sustainability-driven green city frameworks offer Malaysia a strategic pathway to strengthening its tourism industry, recommending enhanced community engagement, integrated governance, and innovative green infrastructure to accelerate long-term tourism transformation.