Sustainable Practices in the Hotel Industry: A Case of the Saudi Arabia Mega Project

Abstract

This study investigates the integration of sustainable practices in the hotel industry within Saudi Arabia’s mega projects, including NEOM, AlUla, Albalad Development Company, and The Red Sea Project, under the framework of Vision 2030. With sustainability gaining importance in the global tourism industry, this research explores how large-scale developments can serve as models for sustainable tourism, especially in developing countries. The theoretical framework draws on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) to assess economic, environmental, and social impacts, Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) to analyze the adoption of new practices, and Ecotourism Theory to understand responsible travel in nature-focused projects. The methodology employs secondary data analysis, using peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and government documents, allowing for a systematic review of existing practices without requiring primary data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized to assess the environmental, social, and economic effects of sustainable tourism practices. Key findings highlight the use of renewable energy, water conservation technologies, waste management systems, and sustainable construction techniques across various projects. The analysis also reveals how integrating local culture and providing community employment contribute to cultural and social sustainability. Despite challenges such as high initial costs and cultural resistance to change, the study concludes that Saudi Arabia’s hotel projects provide a successful model for balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, offering valuable insights for other regions aiming to implement sustainable tourism practices. These findings underscore the importance of adopting global best practices to drive responsible tourism development in large-scale projects. Keywords: sustainable tourism, Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia, hotel industry, NEOM, secondary data analysis, sustainable practices, Triple Bottom Line, diffusion of innovation, ecotourism, BDC Albalad Development Company