Tourism in The Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
I produced this work for ASU course, TDM 458 International Tourism.
Reflecting on The Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa and the several factors associated with each region as they affect tourism. It is crucial to share each region’s geographical, cultural, and historical elements and how each contributed to the modern-day economic, political, and social state of the country or region.
Below is ‘flourish Data’ displaying the drastic decrease in visitors to the regions as collected by UNWTO, July 2021.
International Tourist Arrivals, % change
Critical Analysis
The middle east has various countries that have evolved over the years allowing tourists to experience the modern-day middle east.Dubai has reduced numerous restrictions for guests visiting this city in the United Arab Emirates and the residents residing in the capital. The United Arab Emirates, also known as the UAE, was created from the parting of colonization, gaining independence from Britain in 1971. Most notably, western influence is growing in Dubai. Bravo, an American entertainment channel, explicitly created a new series, The Real Housewives of Dubai. This effort with the UAE and the United States offers viewers a virtual glimpse of the city’s majestic Tourist aspects. Viewers, most importantly, see the economic success of the city of Dubai.
Video Source: BRAVO. (2022, July 5).
However, negatively this show does not support pro-poor tourism.
However, negatively this show does not support pro-poor tourism.
Pro-poor tourism creates awareness and opportunities for those in the regions and cities afflicted with poverty. World Regional Geography’s textbook shared, “Equity and human well-being advocates for tourism liberalization with a human face.” (Lew et al., 2015, p.177). These efforts align with the concept of volunteer tourism. Specifically, volunteer tourism supports pro-poor tourism by bringing groups and organizations into the area. Most significantly, volunteer tourism promotes positive human morale. However, in the past couple of years, in some countries in The Middle East, a growing number of volunteer tourism efforts have had to end due to health concerns, safety, and political issues.
Specifically, the Middle East faced a major social and economic development challenge, as the lecture shared, “Ongoing political instability and insecurity in the middle east, and the desires of some governments to protect cultural and religious traditions by keeping out westerners or western influences”(Lee,2022,p.31). Many volunteer organizations are faith-based. Jerusalem, in particular, is a major Pilgrimage destination for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Though the Middle East has all three religions, the textbook World Regional Geography states, “90% of people in the middle east are Muslim.” (Lew et al., 2015, p.158). Health concerns due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, have affected the international Muslim event Hajj Pilgrimage, iconic heritage tourism in Saudi Arabia.
The lecture Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa(2022) divulged Hajj Pilgrimage is one of the largest international tourist events in the world, and It brings over 2 million people each year to Saudi Arabia. The online article, Saudi tourism suffers from a pandemic Hajj pilgrimage, stated, “Every Muslim is expected to perform the Hajj once in their lifetime. Pilgrims gather at the al-Haram mosque in Mecca to pray and circle a structure known as the Kaaba” (Okello,2020). Essentially The Hajj Pilgrimage is a chance for Muslims to renew their purpose.
Further health concerns have struck the middle east, such as Ebola. However, West Africa has seen the greatest impact on tourism due to Ebola. In Bruce Aylward’s Ted Talk, Humanity vs. Ebola. The winning strategies in a terrifying war shared that Ebola was unrecognizable and caused many regional deaths. In response to Ebola, Bryce Aylward stated, “MSF rapidly set up an Ebola treatment center, and The World Health Organization and the partners that it works with eventually deployed hundreds of people over the next two months.” (TED, 2015) The problem with this was the closing of flights to West Africa. The tourism area of transportation is greatly affected by closures.
Furthermore, region closure can also take place due to safety. Volunteer tourism is often in the sub-Saharan region. the textbook World Regional Geography states, “Political Issues and security problems have landed it on the travel warning list.” (Lew et al., 2015, p.185) Countries listed on the travel warning list experience a decline in tourism. Countries such as Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania are successful tourism destinations with well-developed infrastructure. South Africa is the region’s top tourist destination. Tourism in Sub-Saharan Africa(2022) divulged a 22.7% share in tourism receipts and a +13% growth in regional international arrivals. This positive impact on tourism to South Africa is due to the ease of international travelers accessing a visa.
South Africa has the most diverse wildlife in Africa. However, the entire sub-Saharan region is known for safari and nature tourism. Kenya has over 60 wildlife protections, such as gorilla conservation. A popular tourist destination, the Ambelosi National Park in Kenya offers travelers safari tourism and a chance for tourists to witness the “big five.” The textbook World Regional Geography’s shared that the big five are the Lion, African Elephant, African Buffalo, leopard, and black rhinoceros (Lew et al., 2015, p.185)
The Kenya government puts great effort into wildlife conservation and tourism utilization and promotion. Compared to Tanzania, whose tourism developed slowly. It was not Until 1991 that the Tanzania government created a definite tourism policy. Top tourist destinations in the region, The Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria, The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti National Park. Ultimately tourism in Sub-Saharan Africa is vital for preserving culture and should have global involvement, most importantly, the impact it brings to the citizens of these regions.
References
BRAVO. (2022, July 5). The Real Housewives of Dubai Answer All Your Questions About Living in Dubai. Bravo TV Official Site. http://www.bravotv.com/video/share/BRVN443013901
Lee, W. (2022). Module 3 Overview and Learning Materials: TDM 458: International Tourism (2022 Fall — B). Asu.edu. https://canvas.asu.edu/courses/136270/pages/module-3-overview-and-learning-materials?module_item_id=9453805
Lee, W. (2022). Module 3 Overview and Learning Materials: TDM 458: International Tourism (2022 Fall — B). Asu.edu. https://canvas.asu.edu/courses/136270/pages/module-3-overview-and-learning-materials?module_item_id=9453805
Lew, A., Hall, C. M., & Dallen, T. (2015).World Regional Geography: Human Mobilities, Tourism: Destinations, Sustainable Environments:2nd Revised edition (pp. 149–194). Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co, U.S.
Okello, C. (2020, July 29). Saudi tourism suffers from the Hajj pilgrimage during the pandemic. RFI; RFI.https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200729-saudi-tourism-budget-suffers-from-hajj-islam-pilgrimage-under-pandemic-covid-19-curbs-coronavirus
UNWTO. (2021, July 21). Tourist Arrivals Down 87% in January 2021 as UNWTO calls for Stronger Coordination to Restart Tourism. Www.unwto.org. https://www.unwto.org/news/tourist-arrivals-down-87-in-january-2021-as-unwto-calls-for-stronger-coordination-to-restart-tourism
TED. (2015). Bruce Aylward: Humanity vs. Ebola. The winning strategies in a terrifying war [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m048uAa8L3k
