Exciting Participation at the Cultural Sustainable Tourism Conference in Maia, Portugal
I am thrilled to announce my upcoming participation in the Cultural Sustainable Tourism conference, a prestigious event that will be held in Maia, Portugal. This conference is organized in collaboration with IEREK, a renowned organization based in Cairo, Egypt, known for its commitment to promoting sustainable development through research and education.
My presentation, titled “Heritage Conservation and Tourism Development in Saudi Arabia: The Case of Historic Jeddah,” represents a significant achievement in the field of culturally sustainable tourism. This work was developed in close collaboration with the esteemed Mohammed Bagader Al-Amoudi, from Umm Al Qura University (Saudi Arabia).
This presentation marks a milestone in our ongoing efforts to balance the preservation of cultural heritage with the demands of modern tourism. The research delves into the intricate relationship between heritage conservation and tourism development, using Historic Jeddah—one of Saudi Arabia’s most culturally rich and historically significant cities—as a case study.
Historic Jeddah, with its unique architectural style and deep-rooted traditions, stands as a testament to the rich cultural legacy of Saudi Arabia. However, like many heritage sites worldwide, it faces the challenge of maintaining its authenticity and cultural integrity while also accommodating the growing influx of tourists. Our study explores how these two goals—preserving the past and embracing the future—can coexist and even complement one another.
The findings presented in this research have practical implications not just for Saudi Arabia but for other destinations striving to achieve culturally sustainable tourism. By examining how Historic Jeddah has managed to protect its cultural heritage while fostering tourism growth, we aim to provide a model that can be adapted and applied to other heritage sites globally.
This conference offers an excellent platform to share our findings with an international audience of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who are equally passionate about sustainable tourism and heritage conservation. I am looking forward to engaging with fellow participants, exchanging ideas, and contributing to the ongoing dialogue on how to make tourism more sustainable and culturally sensitive.
I am honored to be a part of this important event and to contribute to the global conversation on sustainable tourism. I believe that our research will inspire others to pursue innovative strategies that ensure the protection of cultural heritage while promoting tourism in a way that benefits both local communities and visitors alike.