Oman’s Path to Sustainable Tourism: PESTEL Perspective
摘要
Sustainable tourism emphasizes on striking a perfect balance between environmental protection and economic development. It features avoiding or minimizing environmental damage, conserving the culture and heritage, promoting social inclusivity and offering monetary benefits for local population. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), tourism sustainability is being pursued as one of the pillars of economic diversification efforts to reduce dependence on oil revenues. It is also a priority area for the Sultanate of Oman and the country leverages the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors to efficiently execute its initiatives for sustainable tourism. This study attempts to explore the impact of PESTEL dimensions on sustainable tourism in Oman. The research employed a quantitative research methodology. A structured survey aimed at collecting participants’ views and experiences about each PESTEL framework dimension in line with Oman's tourism sector was used. Using snowball sampling data was collected from 35 key stakeholders in sustainable tourism related businesses as well as from the ministry of tourism. Multiple regression analysis was employed using SPSS software to study the impact of different PESTEL dimensions on sustainable tourism in Oman. The study provides deeper insights for policymakers and practitioners of tourism-related businesses on the need for incorporating the PESTEL framework for achieving success in their sustainable tourism initiatives, through which they can pave path for a vibrant and sustainable tourism future in Oman.