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

Abstract

PurposeThe percentage of tourism revenues from the national income decreased during the period (2000: 2020) which necessitates diversification in tourism activity and tourism revenues through agricultural tourism as one of the types of tourism activities. On other hand, Al-Ahsa governorate is the largest governorate in Saudi Arabia, covering an area of about 2,500 square kilometers. Moreover, it includes an oasis that is the largest irrigated agricultural oases in the world. It is distinguished by its strategic geographical location, in addition to being one of the most famous palm oasis in the world. Although Al-Ahsa governorate has many ingredients for agricultural tourism; the number of farms approved in the Aryaf program reached about 101 farms at the level of Al-Ahsa with a rate that not exceed about 0.5% of farms in 2018 of the total farms. That means it still Agricultural tourism has not received sufficient attention from investors and farm owners.Design/methodology/approachThe study targeted planning for agricultural tourism activities in Al-Ahsa Governorate using a long-term sustainable approach to achieve sustainable development and diversification of sources income in agriculture sector. The study depended on the sample size was determined from Al-Ahsa farms in light of the fact that the number of farm owners in Al-Ahsa. In addition the study relied on the use of descriptive and quantitative statistical analysis through the use of percentages, chi-square test and Likert's triple test.FindingsThe results of the study strategic plans of farms in Al-Ahsa points to the importance of enhancing agricultural tourism services in Al-Ahsa, including health, environmental, recreational and food services, which may have an impact on increasing the economic return of farms in a better way in order to gain competitive advantage by focusing on developing the farms themselves in line with the Aryaf program of the Ministry of Tourism in the Kingdom to ensure safe and sustainable growth of revenues Economic.Originality/valueThis study is concerned with Agricultural Tourism. The study is helpful in policy formation to target sustainable development and diversification of sources income in Saudi Arabia. The authors whose names are listed immediately below certify that they have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers' bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.