{"id":23542,"date":"2025-05-23T08:39:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T07:39:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism-villages.unwto.org\/?p=23542"},"modified":"2025-05-23T08:39:12","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T07:39:12","slug":"cultivating-resilient-futures-rural-tourism-and-biodiversity-in-saudi-arabia-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism-villages.unwto.org\/en\/news\/cultivating-resilient-futures-rural-tourism-and-biodiversity-in-saudi-arabia-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Cultivating Resilient Futures: Rural Tourism and Biodiversity in Saudi Arabia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">As<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Saudi<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Arabia<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">continues<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">its<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">transformative<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">journey under<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Vision 2030,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">rural<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">tourism<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">has<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">emerged<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">as a powerful catalyst for sustainable development, economic diversification, and cultural <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">preservation. Across the Kingdom, from the Asir highlands to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">AlUla\u2019s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\"> heritage-rich landscapes, rural <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">communities<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">are<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">becoming<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">vibrant<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">destinations,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">offering<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">authentic<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">experiences<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">deeply<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">rooted<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">in <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">tradition,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">biodiversity,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">and<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">local<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">stewardship.<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Rural<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">tourism<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">in<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Saudi<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Arabia<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">is<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">no<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">longer<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">confined<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">to seasonal<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">visits<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">or<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">scenic<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">stopovers.<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">It<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">has<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">evolved<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">into<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">a<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">strategic<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">development<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">priority\u2014promoting inclusive<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">growth,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">empowering<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">local<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">communities,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">and<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">showcasing<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">the<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">country\u2019s<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">rich<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">ecological<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">and cultural<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">diversity.<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">With<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">the<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">support<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">of<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">national<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">initiatives<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">such<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">as<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">the<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Saudi<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Green<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Initiative<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">and<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">Kingdom\u2019s Rural Development Program, the potential for immersive, community-led tourism experiences<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">has<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">expanded<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">significantly.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW138948783 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:353,&quot;335559738&quot;:157,&quot;335559740&quot;:271}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Furthermore, Saudi Arabia\u2019s rural landscapes are home to unique ecosystems\u2014from desert oases and coastal mangroves to mountainous forests. These natural assets are not only vital to global biodiversity but also serve as the foundation for sustainable tourism offerings. Integrating nature- based solutions\u2014such as guided eco-trails, wildlife observation, and conservation-led tourism\u2014 enhances visitor experiences while safeguarding delicate ecosystems. Programs that emphasize environmental education and visitor engagement in conservation efforts can amplify the value of biodiversity in tourism, transforming it from a passive backdrop to an active driver of sustainability. One of the most powerful ways to connect visitors with rural Saudi communities is through traditional food experiences. From <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jareesh and Matazeez <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in Najd to <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Areeka <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in the south, engaging visitors in farm-to-table meals, local cooking classes, or village food festivals fosters deeper cultural understanding while supporting indigenous culinary knowledge and rural economies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:352,&quot;335559738&quot;:193,&quot;335559740&quot;:273}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Best Tourism Villages initiative by UN Tourism has had a notable impact in the region, inspiring Saudi villages to showcase their unique heritage, environmental stewardship, and community-based tourism models. Villages such as Rijal Alma\u2019a, with its restored mud-brick architecture and living traditions, are exemplary of how tourism can align with ecological integrity and socio-economic <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:193,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:271}\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">empowerment. This recognition not only boosts the<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">visibility of these<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">destinations but also supports <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">infrastructure<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">development,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">policy<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">alignment,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">and<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">knowledge<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">sharing<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">across<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">the<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">region\u2014critical components<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">for<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">scalable<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">and<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">sustainable<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">tourism<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"Body Text\">growth.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW248473289 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:354,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559740&quot;:273}\">\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To strengthen the nexus between tourism, community engagement, and sustainability, it is essential to adopt a participatory approach. Empowering local stakeholders\u2014particularly women and youth\u2014 through capacity-building, entrepreneurial support, and heritage preservation ensures that tourism development is inclusive and meaningful. Additionally, cross-sector collaboration between government entities, academic institutions, and local cooperatives can create innovative tourism models that balance economic gains with ecological responsibility.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:354,&quot;335559738&quot;:193,&quot;335559740&quot;:273}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Saudi Arabia presents a compelling case of how rural tourism, when thoughtfully planned and biodiversity-centered, can nurture resilient communities and regenerate ecosystems. The Kingdom\u2019s natural and cultural capital offers immense potential to lead the region in redefining rural tourism, one that is immersive, inclusive, and environmentally conscious.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559737&quot;:354,&quot;335559738&quot;:154,&quot;335559740&quot;:271}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>About the Author:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Prof. Islam Elgammal is a distinguished academic researcher with a prolific portfolio of publications in the fields of tourism, marketing, and organizational behavior. She had her PhD from Cardiff, UK in 2008 and she is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK. Prof. Elgammal has a number of publications in Academic journals and contributed to several conferences. She used to be the Vice Dean for postgraduates and research at Suez Canal University. Her recent work has been prominently featured in various high-impact journals, including the International Journal of Hospitality Management, Tourism Recreation Research, Tourism Review, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, and current Issues in Tourism.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of UN Tourism or any affiliated organizations.)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As Saudi Arabia continues its transformative journey under Vision 2030, rural tourism has emerged as a powerful catalyst for sustainable development, economic diversification, and cultural preservation. Across the Kingdom, from the Asir highlands to AlUla\u2019s heritage-rich landscapes, rural communities are becoming vibrant destinations, offering authentic experiences deeply rooted in tradition, biodiversity, and local stewardship. Rural&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":333,"featured_media":23543,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[315,425],"class_list":["post-23542","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-rural-tourism","tag-saudi-arabia","category-30","description-off"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Cultivating Resilient Futures: Rural Tourism and Biodiversity in Saudi Arabia - Best Tourism Villages<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/tourism-villages.unwto.org\/en\/news\/cultivating-resilient-futures-rural-tourism-and-biodiversity-in-saudi-arabia-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Cultivating Resilient Futures: Rural Tourism and Biodiversity in Saudi Arabia - Best Tourism Villages\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As Saudi Arabia continues its transformative journey under Vision 2030, rural tourism has emerged as a powerful catalyst for sustainable development, economic diversification, and cultural preservation. Across the Kingdom, from the Asir highlands to AlUla\u2019s heritage-rich landscapes, rural communities are becoming vibrant destinations, offering authentic experiences deeply rooted in tradition, biodiversity, and local stewardship. 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