Favourable sustainable tourism development in Al-Juhfa, Saudi Arabia

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, Umm AlQura University

Abstract

The involvement of destination residents in tourism planning is critical in order to gain their support for the sustainable tourism development. This study aims at analyzing destination residents’ favourable support towards tourism development in Al-Juhfa Village, Saudi Arabia. The study adopted qualitative approach, involving 57 informants from within the destination residents. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaire, and then analysed using content analysis. The study found three categories indicating the residents’ favourable support towards tourism development, including: (1) the development of heritage and agricultural activities of destination residents, which represent the local characteristics, as tourist attractions; (2) the development of infrastructure and tourist facilities, which were perceived to create economic benefits and increase the residents’ welfare; and (3) the empowerment of destination residents, which was perceived to help the residents to acquire tourism knowledge and skills in order to play important roles in the tourism development. The inclusion of the three categories into the tourism masterplan will strengthen the support of the destination residents, and sustain the tourism development, particularly within the Al-Juhfa village. The study findings provide recommendations to the tourism policy maker regarding local tourist attractions and strategies for resident’s empowerment.

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics