A strategic approach to sustainable agricultural tourism “case study of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia”

Al-Ahsa Oasis, one of the world's largest irrigated agricultural oases, holds significant potential for sustainable agricultural tourism, yet its development remains underutilized. A study reveals that only 0.5% of farms in Al-Ahsa were approved for agricultural tourism in 2018, despite its strategic location and rich cultural landscape. The research proposes a long-term strategy to enhance tourism services—such as health, environmental, recreational, and food offerings—to boost economic returns and ensure sustainable growth. Using descriptive and quantitative statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and Likert's scale, the study highlights the need for policy reforms to diversify income sources in Saudi Arabia's agriculture sector. This approach could serve as a model for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites seeking to balance conservation with economic development.

Ahmed, H., Almahish, M., & Aleid, H. (2023). A strategic approach to sustainable agricultural tourism “case study of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia”. Business Process Management Journal, 29(5), 1562–1583. https://doi.org/10.1108/bpmj-03-2023-0167