EVENT OPERATION MANAGEMENT FOR HIKING SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN AL-ULA SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

This research aims to explore the role of event operation management in organising hiking sports activities in the Al-Ula area within Saudi Arabia. This is done through focusing on the challenges, responsibilities and innovative strategies employed by event managers. The study adopts a qualitative approach within an interpretive paradigm by using a case study strategy to understand the unique context of Al-Ula. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six event operation managers experienced in managing outdoor adventure activities and thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes from the qualitative data. The findings reveal that successful event operation management for hiking activities hinges on comprehensive planning, effective use of technology, collaboration with local experts and balancing sustainability with participant safety and engagement. Key responsibilities identified include efficient resource allocation, proactive risk management and maintaining participant safety. Major challenges involve logistical difficulties in remote areas, unpredictable environmental conditions and managing diverse participant needs. Innovative strategies such as GPS tracking as well as utilising sustainable materials and local partnerships were highlighted as critical for ensuring smooth and interruption-free hiking events. The study proposes a conceptual framework for adaptive event management for outdoor sports which integrates dynamic risk management, sustainable practices, technology and local expertise to enhance both operational efficiency and participant satisfaction. One main limitation of the research is its narrow geographical scope which is considering solely on hiking activities in Al- Ula. This would limit the generalisability of findings to other locations or types of events. Future research should consider expanding the scope to include diverse geographical areas and applying a mixed-methods approach to further validate the findings. The results contribute to the understanding of effective event management practices in outdoor settings mainly in challenging environments like Al-Ula