The Tourism Geography of the Middle East

Learning Objectives 1.Describe the major physical features and climates of the Middle East and understand their significance for tourism 2.Account for the fact that, due to political unrest, the region’s tourism potential is largely unfulfilled despite its closeness to the tourist generating markets of Northern Europe 3.Appreciate the continuing importance of religion in the everyday culture of the region, and the impact of religious fundamentalism and sectarianism on the political stability of many of these countries and the safety of foreign tourists 4.Appreciate that inbound tourism to the region encompasses beach holidays, cultural tourism and business travel 5.Recognize that the Middle East is an important generator of international tourism 6.Identify the major features of tourism infrastructure in the region 7.Demonstrate a knowledge of the tourist regions, resorts, business centres and tourist attractions of the Middle East

Middle East Cultural features War torn Physical features Demand Supply Resources Cultural Climate Winter sports Adventure tourism Threats and tourism Political situation Vulnerable attractions

Egypt Desert and Nile Demand Supply Resources –Pyramids of Giza –Luxor –Abu Simbel –Nile Valley –Mediterranean Coast –Red Sea Coast/Sinai

Israel Significant country Religious conflict Demand Resources Varied products –Coasts –Spas –Kibbutz –Desert –Cultural tourism (Holy Land) Tel Aviv Haifa Jerusalem

Jordan Desert country Politically stable Resources: –Petra –Wadi Rum –Dead Sea –Kerak –Jerash –River Jordan –Red Sea Coast

Syria Tourism not a priority Resources: –Damascus –Palmyra –Aleppo –Krak des Chevaliers Tourism renaissance –Beirut –Mount Lebanon –Bekaa Valley Lebanon

Turkey Seeking EU membership Bridges east and west Stable Demand –Inbound ITs Supply

Turkey: Resources Northern Aegean Southern Aegean –Marmaris/Bodrum Turquoise Coast –Antalya Istanbul Ephesus

Arabian Peninsula Cultural and physical contrasts Demand Oil United Arab Emirates –Dubai Oman Saudi Arabia Yemen Iran Iraq Iran and Iraq