The TAPLINE as a Model for Developing Industrial Heritage Tourism in Saudi Arabia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 کلية السياحة والآثار، جامعة الملک سعود، المملکة العربية السعودية، الرياض جامعة إب - اليمن

2 3MSc in Heritage Management, King Saud University

Abstract

This paper examines the potential of Industrial Heritage Tourism (IHT), focusing on the Trans-Arabian Pipeline (TAPLINE) as a leading model in Saudi Arabia, which was included in the Tentative List of World Heritage in 2023. It emphasizes the crucial role of industrial sites in preserving history and fostering economic development, drawing on a range of case studies worldwide for comparison. The methodology involves identifying industrial heritage sites from the World Heritage List, through data collection, GIS mapping. Despite the underrepresentation of industrial heritage sites in global heritage conservation efforts, TAPLINE illustrates the potential for integrating Industrial Heritage (IH) into tourism development strategies in Saudi Arabia. Through preservation initiatives and UNESCO recognition, TAPLINE serves as a symbol of industrial innovation, contributing to both local regeneration and cultural heritage preservation. The study highlights the significance of IHT in Saudi Arabia and offers a sustainable approach to IH management, and proposes adaptive reuse strategies for the TAPLINE site, such as establishing museums, creating tourist routes, and developing cultural centers, all of which aim to leveraging TAPLINE's historical legacy to enhance Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape and promote sustainable economic growth.

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