A Supply Side Investigation of Rural Lodges in Al-Ahsa Oasis: An Exploratory Analysis

Rural lodges in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia—a UNESCO World Heritage site—show diverse pricing and characteristics that significantly influence the rural tourism market. Prices range from SAR 350 to 3,000 per night, with resorts commanding the highest rates due to their larger sizes and comprehensive amenities. A hedonic price model revealed that key factors such as the number of bedrooms, pool availability, and car garages positively impact prices, while pool fences and 'family-only' designations negatively affect them. These findings highlight the importance of understanding supply-side dynamics and investing in guest experience-enhancing amenities for sustainable tourism development.

Tawfik, R., & Alzahrani, F. (2024). A Supply Side Investigation of Rural Lodges in Al-Ahsa Oasis: An Exploratory Analysis. Sustainability, 16(23), 10641. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310641