Sustainable Tourism Development in Jeddah: Protecting Cultural Heritage While Promoting Travel Destination

Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, faces significant challenges and opportunities as it transitions from a predominantly religious and business-focused destination to a global travel hub. Research reveals that while tourism has spurred economic growth and enriched travel experiences, it also threatens cultural heritage authenticity and sustainability due to overtourism and limited services. Qualitative analysis, including 15 in-depth interviews and on-field observations, underscores the need for balanced management strategies that prioritize heritage conservation alongside sustainable development. This study highlights the tension between preserving Jeddah's unique identity and meeting the demands of emerging tourism, offering insights critical for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites navigating similar transitions.

Sampieri, S., & Bagader, M. (2024). Sustainable Tourism Development in Jeddah: Protecting Cultural Heritage While Promoting Travel Destination. Sustainability, 16(21), 9148. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219148