السياحة الشتوية في تهامة عسير في منطقة عسير بالمملكة العربية السعودية

Abstract

The study sought to reveal the characteristics of tourists in Tihama Asir and its environs. It aimed at identifying the factors of natural and man-made tourist attractions. Moreover, the study made some proposals for developing winter tourism from the point of view of tourists. The study used descriptive survey approach as well as the analytical approach. Further, a questionnaire was developed as a study tool to achieve the objectives of the study. The study reached a number of results, most importantly: The climate (enjoying warm weather) came in first place scoring a high degree in terms of factors’ influence; as it is the most important natural tourist attraction for winter tourism. Then, it was followed in rank by (the beaches of the Red Sea shore) with a high degree of influence as well. As for the factors which scored a moderate degree of influence; (restaurants and popular dishes) came in first place, as it is the most prominent man-made tourist attraction for winter tourism, while (weekly and heritage markets and handicrafts) came second in place in the list of factors with a moderate degree of influence. Furthermore, the study found that visiting (Al-Darb area) came in first place with a percentage of (27.5%) in terms of favorite tourist destinations in Tihama Asir and its surroundings; while visiting (Al-Shaqiq area) came second in the list of favorite tourist destinations. The majority of study sample members stated that they usually take Aqabat Dhila’ Road to reach Tihama Asir and its environs, with a percentage of (80.8%). Most of the tourists who visit Tihama Asir and its environs in the winter are accompanied by their families, constituting (77%). Finally, the researcher made some recommendations, most importantly: exploiting all natural and man-made tourist attractions in order to ensure their sustainability and development in addition to protecting them. The study also recommended enhancing the tendency towards smart tourism in line with the digital tourism strategy in the Kingdom.