Ecotourism Concept Master Plans and Investment Opportunities for Saudi Arabia National Parks: Study Findings of Al Madinah Al Monawarah and Asir Region National Parks (2018–2019)
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FAO KSA
Abstract
This document presents the consolidated findings of the ecotourism assessment conducted for National Parks in the Al Madinah Al Monawarah and Asir regions during the period 2018–2019. The study applies a structured Ecotourism Rapid Assessment Model (Eco-RAM) at both destination and site levels to evaluate natural environment quality, cultural heritage value, market potential, infrastructure, human capital, and investment readiness.
The results identify National Parks with excellent, good, acceptable, and limited ecotourism potential and define priority sites for ecotourism development. The document further outlines investment opportunities, recommended ecotourism activities, and strategic development concepts aligned with sustainable tourism principles and Saudi Vision 2030.
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The document provides a technical evaluation of ecotourism potential across multiple National Parks in two major regions of Saudi Arabia. It includes detailed site profiles, mapping outputs, scoring matrices, and development suitability rankings. For Al Madinah, the assessment covers parks such as Jabal Adkous, Al Baydha, Wadi Hidna, Bani Amir, Jabal Radwah, Wadi Eshar, Wadi Rum, Elephant Rock, and Yanbu sites. For Asir, it addresses mountain ranges, Tihama plains, and the Red Sea coastline.
In addition, the report presents proposed ecotourism activity clusters (mountain tourism, agritourism, marine tourism, desert tourism), investment models, concession systems, and key policy instruments required for implementation. It serves as a technical foundation for concept master planning, public–private partnership development, and sustainable tourism investment programming within Saudi Arabia’s National Parks system.
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Kamerino, S., Al Howaish, A., & Charters, T. (2022). Ecotourism concept master plans and investment opportunities for Saudi Arabia National Parks: Study findings of Al Madinah Al Monawarah and Asir Region National Parks (2018–2019). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.