Methodology
Research Approach
It seems reasonable to state that the investigation on the topic of tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not imply the emergence of new theories from the available data. Instead, it is pre-assumed – as well as confirmed by numerous studies in the field given – that the development of and investments into the tourism sector result in significant benefits for economies, including diversification of the sources of income and welfare. The latter is essential for Saudi Arabia due to over-dependence on oil exports. Thus, this research is aimed rather at developing hypotheses and testing the existing theory within the scope of tourism’s potential positive impact on the country’s economy. The above rationale serves as a foundation for choosing the deductive research approach in the framework of this study.
Research Design
This research aims to explore the tourism sector of Saudi Arabia – a phenomenon that cannot be considered new. On the other hand, it should be admitted that given Vision 2030, there have been many recent shifts within the mentioned sector (Abuhjeeleh 1), so an exploratory element will be present to an exact extent. However, the essentials and critical aspects of tourism in the country have been notably explored by the scholarly dimension, and there is a plethora of available data in this regard. Thus, it seems that the issue will be explored rather through the provision of additional information and capturing the data required to detail the phenomenon. The provided arguments allow stating that this study will adhere to the principles of a descriptive research design.
Research Strategy
A strategy that will guide this research will be of the grounded theory character. Such a choice might be rational, taking into account the approach and design that were justified above. This strategy may be determined as the discovery of theories from the obtained information in order to explain a phenomenon, as well as to develop hypotheses. It will give various opportunities to get acquainted with many recognized studies and apply their findings appropriately.
Research Methods
Methods that will be utilized in this study are qualitative. Given the broad scope of the topic, hard and cold numbers, statistics do not seem to be proper for this research due to its limited resources and character. Instead, it may be relevant to provide an in-depth analysis of reliable and suitable sources that will allow delving deep into the issue.
Data Collection
Primary research is not inherent to this study because it does not deal with data that was collected for the first time. Surveys and requests for the provision of data that is not currently available in public will not be undertaken. However, it should be emphasized that all the data that will be used, interpreted, and presented in the study is peer-reviewed, reliable, and relevant to the issue at hand.
Research Questions
- What impact will investments in the tourism sector – both religious and not – have on the economy of Saudi Arabia, taking into account Vision 2030 and shifts in the hospitality industry in the country?
- What are the competitive advantages that are inherent to Saudi Arabia within the scope of tourism?
- What are the seeable current opportunities for Saudi Arabia within the scope of tourism?
Work Cited
Abuhjeeleh, Mohammad. “Rethinking Tourism in Saudi Arabia: Royal Vision 2030 Perspective.” African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, vol. 8, no. 5, pp. 1–16.