Fourth International Conference on Tourism and Leisure Studies

Abstract

There is a genuine need to examine stakeholders’ perception of conservation and tourism development due to overlapping roles among key governmental agencies in Saudi Arabia. The challenge to successfully develop tourism and implement ecotourism activities simultaneously is an ongoing issue due to conflicting priorities. Thus, an understanding of the role of each stakeholder group will support policy implementation as well as efficient practices that can lead to an improved and effective policy/decision-making process. Within the Saudi Arabia context, this study examines and identifies factors that influence primary stakeholders’ perspectives (public, NGOs, and private sectors) with respect to the potential for ecotourism development and its support in protected areas and national parks, utilize ecotourism to support biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic development, and, evaluate the current management of protected areas and national parks. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews to compile information from 11 stakeholder representatives related to tourism and ecotourism development within national parks and protected areas. Open, axial, and selective coding were employed in the analysis of the data. Findings of the study revealed four main themes - ecotourism development, management issues, development challenges, and policy. The study highlights the need to develop a sustainable tourism foundation that aims to conserve biodiversity, and provide educational opportunities for local communities to ensure economic growth. Furthermore, implications for ecotourism development in protected areas and national park in Saudi Arabia is noted.