The Role of The Heritage Tourism Industry in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: and its role in achieving a sustainable economic future.

Abstract

The fluctuations of oil prices and their impact on global markets and the decline in the market value of oil, has led to an imbalance in the economies of countries dependent on oil as their main source of revenue (Akpan, 2009). One of the countries affected by the decline in the market value of oil and its fluctuations is the KSA. This has led the Saudi government to develop strategies to diversify its sources of revenue instead of relying on a single product to generate income (e.g., oil). KSA, accordingly, aims to focus on heritage tourism to develop it according to what it possesses in terms of the fundamental elements of tourism that are already in place and the presence of a rich stock of archaeological sites , as well as natural, tangible, and intangible heritage. This dissertation has examined the role of heritage in activating the role of tourism and achieving economic development for the host country. This study has reviewed the concepts related to tourism and heritage and cultural tourism and has considered the concept of religious tourism as being part of heritage tourism. In addition to reviewing the history of tourism and the beginning of the tourism industry in KSA and the specific obstacles faced by the tourism industry as well. The dissertation has analyzed the statistical data of indicators related to tourism activity in KSA, the level of cultural tourism, and tourist demand, and has focused on the two case study areas of Medina and Riyadh to provide results that can predict and evaluate the possibilities of making KSA the first tourist destination in the world that focuses on heritage tourism, in particular. It is concluded from the study that KSA is able to generate a high source of income from the heritage tourism industry, in addition to other types of tourism. The study also shows that there is a noticeable tourist activity in KSA by analyzing the indicators of tourist trips and occupancy in accommodation centers. The study has also revealed the weak level of participation in visiting cultural sites from the local community. The study also showed that international tourists tend to come to KSA mainly for religious tourism purposes. Accordingly, the dissertation was concluded with a set of recommendations to develop the status of heritage tourism in KSA and to overcome the obstacles that hinder tourism from flourishing in KSA.