Tourism development at the Al-Hijr Archaeological Site, Saudi Arabia: SME sentiments and emerging concerns

Tourism development at Al-Hijr, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, has sparked paradoxical sentiments among local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While the site’s 2008 inscription fostered community support for tourism due to new economic opportunities, its recent international opening and proposed large-scale development have raised concerns about 'cultural erosion' and unsustainable growth. A study conducted through semi-structured interviews with local SME owners and managers in early 2020 identified these conflicting perspectives, positioning the research as a novel exploration of stakeholder views on heritage tourism. The findings highlight the need for balanced development strategies to mitigate emerging challenges while capitalizing on economic potential.

Alahmadi, A., Butler, G., & Szili, G. (2022). Tourism development at the Al-Hijr Archaeological Site, Saudi Arabia: SME sentiments and emerging concerns. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 17(5), 533–547. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873x.2022.2078214