Local People Perceptions towards Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts of Tourism development in Alula, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In recent times, the views of local residents towards the consequences of tourism development have played a crucial role in the tourism industry. This research examines the perspectives of inhabitants of Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, regarding the impacts of tourism development on the social, economic, and environmental aspects. It also aims to determine the effect of social and demographic factors on the perceptions of the population. Using quantitative techniques, a survey was distributed to 421 adult residents. The study's foundation was the social exchange theory. The findings reveal that residents hold a neutral to positive outlook towards the social, cultural, and environmental impacts of tourism development, while the economic impacts are neutral to negative. The results further indicate that gender and occupation have a more significant influence on perceptions than age and level of education, which do not significantly affect the population's opinions.