International Business Research; Vol. 10, No.

1; 2017
ISSN 1913-9004 E-ISSN 1913-9012
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education

Study of the Social and Cultural Aspects of Saudi Tourists and

Evaluate the Services Provided to Tourist of Saudi - An Applied Study
for the Tourism Sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Amal Mohammed Sheikh Damanhouri1
1
Ph.D, Faculty of Economic & Administration, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Correspondence: Amal Mohammed Sheikh Damanhouri, Faculty of Economic & Administration, King
Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail: adamanhori@kau.edu.sa

Received: October 17, 2016 Accepted: November 10, 2016 Online Published: December 16, 2016
doi:10.5539/ibr.v10n1p153 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ibr.v10n1p153

Abstract
The current study is based on the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia. Kingdom‟s tourism industry earnings from
international travelers and tourism services are poised to hit SAR80 billion in 2015. The tourism industry in
Saudi Arabia has witnessed an increasing level of growth in recent years and is seen to continue this trend
moving forward. The industry has undergone a major transformation led by the commitment to upgrade the
Kingdom‟s infrastructure as well as improving its hospitality sector. Religious tourism is the main attraction for
inbound tourists and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future, the government has taken steps to increase
domestic tourism and persuade potential outbound tourists from vacationing abroad. However, large investment
in the sector is required to bring these ambitious plans to fruition. The tourism sector comprises only 2% of
government funding compared to the industrial sector. In this report random sampling was used as it is the best
known form of probability sample. Pilot study was conducted by taking convenience sampling. To find the
quantitative analysis SPSS 18.0 software is used. In this report factor analysis is used for the reliability test of the
questionnaire. Chi-Square test is used for comparing the collected data with the desired data from the certain
hypothesis on the other hand Pearson Correlation is used to measure means of a statistical test. The study
evaluates the services provided to the tourist visiting the kingdom and at the same time it measures the
satisfaction level of the tourists. The report is based on primary and secondary data for the primary data the
questionnaire was used and being distributed to the tourists visiting the kingdom. Five hypothesis was proposed
and are being analyzed using Chi – Square test and correlation test. The current study states that there are several
variables, where excellent satisfaction is being rated by the tourists where as there are several factors where the
authority needs to pay importance, which is mentioned in detail in this report. The outcome of this report also
suggests some major policy recommendation by which convenience, excellence and comfort could be given to
the tourists visiting the kingdom.
Keywords: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, tourism, Hajj, Umra, social aspects, cultural aspects
1. Introduction
Saudi Arabia continues to develop at a rapid pace. The remainder of the market considerable developments
scheduled in tourism and experienced RevPAR growth of up to 21%. Throughout various sectors, supply and
demand are growing in proportion to one another, which is reflected. The last quarter of 2011 started strong for
Riyadh, with in sustained hotel performances; occupancies across the opening of the iconic Ritz-Carlton Riyadh
adding 493 kingdom (apart from Al Jubail) experienced year-on-year rooms to the city‟s inventory. Arabia is
expected to be fueled by US$80 billion worth. With increased spending by the government over the next of
investment in key infrastructure, such as airports and five years, the total investment during this time is estimated
hotels. In the near to midterm, Saudi Arabia is expected at US$385 billion and focused primarily on education, to
open almost 24,000 new hotel rooms and serviced health and infrastructure. A rapidly expanding population
apartments, with extensive megaprojects under progress makes Saudi Arabia one of the more attractive consumer
throughout the city that will generate demand for this new markets in the region and, coupled with the increase
supply. In disposable incomes in recent years, it will continue to feed demand for infrastructure and other
services such as housing, health, technology, education and, most development pipeline-East important travel
and tourism. The focus of the study determines the factors affecting the tourism industry in the Kingdom of

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Saudi Arabia. Specifically, this study investigates the extent of the social and cultural factors, evaluation of the
services provided to Saudi tourists, Measure satisfaction with tourists around the tourist sites and the services
provided therein and the role of the media in highlighting aspects of tourism in the Kingdom. Tourism industry is
one of the most important economic development factors in many countries, but many problems accompany
today‟s structure of tourism in many developing countries as the question arises as to whether the development
of domestic tourism could be a supplement to existing tourism and an economic and socially healthier alternative
to its further expansion (Seckelmann, 2002). It is common knowledge that in many countries domestic tourism is
dominant with respect to international flows in terms of both size and economic contribution (Massidda, and
Etzo, 2012). In spite of that, only recently researchers have started to concentrate on this phenomenon and its
economic impact, as well as on its potential for reducing disparities in less developed world areas. Few
publications such as edited works by Ghimire (2001) ; Harrison (2001) were initial attempts on domestic tourism
since they typically concentrated on „less developed countries‟ and „developing countries‟, respectively. Other
individual works pertaining to domestic tourism focused on the development and features of domestic tourism in
different countries. The reasons for such a dearth of literature on this topic are usually attributed to a paucity of
hard and reliable data, which in turn, reflects serious issues namely lack of concurrence on a certain standard
criteria, multifaceted colloquial terminology and contrasting socio-cultural contexts (Crick, 1989; Singh, 2009).
It also follows that study on the determinants of tourist choices within national borders are still rare and mainly
concentrate on the impact of economic variables (Massidda, and Etzo, 2012). It also follows that study on the
determinants of tourist choices within national borders are still rare and mainly concentrate on the impact of
economic variables (Massidda, and Etzo, 2012). Lim, (1997) similarly argues that the literature on domestic
tourism determinants moves along the lines suggested by international tourism flow studies.
2. Review Literature
In Middle-East region, the literature lacks substantial studies on domestic tourism because the region is regarded
as „one of the least developed tourism regions of the world‟ where leisure is rare and often seen as „culturally
undesirable and economically unnecessary‟ (Sharpley, 2002). The Middle-East recorded 24.1 million arrivals in
2002, only 3.4 percent of the world‟s total, although this compares with 9 million in 1990, there was an average
annual growth rate of 9.7 percent throughout the 1990s (WTO, 2002). In the last ten years, the region has
become one of the fast-growing tourist destinations in the world and has in possession various world-class tourist
attractions (UNWTO, 2006). In countries such as UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, tourism is being considered as a
driving force that leads to progress and development. Several factors have influenced the boom of tourism in the
region such as flourishing economy and support from national governments (UNWTO, 2006).In Saudi Arabia,
religious tourism is very important due to the location of the two holiest sites in Islam-Makkah and Madinah. 40
percent of the total numbers of inbound trips in 2011 were for religious purposes, followed by visiting friends
and relatives (20.5%), and business visits (14.2%). On the other hand, 45.4 percent of the total domestic trips
were leisure trips, and religious purposes (23%) and visiting friends and relatives (22%) ranked second and third,
respectively (MAS, 2012).
Domestic tourism has been and will remain the primary focus of tourism development policy in the Kingdom.
Although domestic tourism has traditionally been seasonal, the government is drawing full attention to its
development to retain a larger portion of tourism spending for the national tourism industry (Eturbonews, 2011).
According to a report by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), domestic tourism in Saudi Arabia is
expected to record phenomenal growth rates with the total income to reach 19.5 billion in 2010 and 27.5 billion
USD in 2020 (Eturbonews, 2011). To spur the growth, tourism authorities are persuading locals to holiday at
home by establishing luxury hotels, high quality resorts and developing various destinations in the country. The
Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) estimates that domestic tourism will be increased
substantially due to huge investments in tourism infrastructure and emerging new attractions to cater for different
market segments. The Saudi tourism industry also aims to raise the level of tourist expenditure through
qualitative improvements to the product portfolio and diversify the range of tourism products and services. In a
related development, SCTA supports a number of summer festivals in different parts of the country as events and
tourism festivals have the ability to generate tourism demand and promote domestic tourism (Saudi Gazette,
2011).
Saudi Arabia originally devoted little attention to conventional international leisure tourism for a combination of
social, political and economic reasons. The Central role of religious tourism must be stressed, however, with
over a million travelling annually for Hajj (Aziz, 1995) which requires a massive organizational effort by the
authorities a report from Travel and Tourism Intelligence, 1997.
Saudi Arabia is aggressively pushing the development of its tourist industry. The secretary general of the

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Tourism Higher Authority (THA) boldly predicted that Saudi Arabia would have 45.3 million tourists in 2020.
Presently the THA has embarked on an aggressive expansion of tourist facilities. An estimated 4.8 million
tourists came to Saudi Arabia in 1999, generating receipts of more than US$1.4 billion. The World Tourism
Organization estimated that in 2004 Saudi Arabia received 8.6 million visitors who spent a combined total of
US$6.5 billion.
The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca which all Muslims are expected to make, if their circumstances permit, at least
once in a life time. Umrah also involves a visit undertaken on numerous occasions. Those on the Hajj and Umrah
together accounted for 3.6 million of the 6.3 million tourists in 2000 and almost half of tourism expenditure. In
comparison, business and conferences travel constituted 17% of spending while the proportions for VFR and
vacation or leisure were 18% and 2% respectively (Mintel, 2002).
There will be spin-off benefits in the wider economy and tourism could boost revenue in the communication a
housing sectors by between 20% and 25% (ITP, 2003). Although support for the tourism industry has been
limited, Saudi Arabia was a leading Middle East destination by the beginning of the new millennium when it was
drawing 27.1% of regional tourists and 29% of receipts (WTO, 2002). Domestic tourists were also a significant
sector with about 14.5 million participants annually (Mintel, 2002).
Tourism is now Saudi Arabia‟s third largest in industry after energy and manufacturing, and has recently
emerged as the second most important in terms of foreign exchange earnings and job creation. In 2001 tourism
contributed US$9.6 billion or 5.6% of GDP and employed 489,000 people. By 2029, revenue from the tourism
industry could exceed SR86 billion (US$22.93 billion). (Khan 2003)
At present, only 10.5% of the jobs in Mecca and Medina are taken up by Saudi national and the Secretary
General of the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) would like to see this increased to 70% or more (Kirby,
2003)
According to Mintel report (Mintel, 2002:3) describes Saudi Arabia as possessing much unrealized potential and
„outstanding cultural, heritage and natural sites‟. It cites the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Mecca as examples.
Madain Salah is said to surpass the huge rock tombs of Petra and Al-Jouf is home to antiquities linked to the
origins of the Nabatean and Assyrian cultures.
Seddon and Khoja, 2003 noted that many well-known landmarks have given way to development projects as part
of the drive towards modernization, thereby reducing the country‟s attractiveness as a tourist center. Wildlife
reserves are also under threat, despite a policy of public exclusion which needs to be revised if ecotourism
opportunities are to be maximized (Seddon, 2000).
Saudi Arabia, religious tourism is very important due to the location of the two holiest sites in Islam-Makkah and
Madinah. 40 percent of the total numbers of inbound trips in 2011 were for religious purposes, followed by
visiting friends and relatives (20.5%), and business visits (14.2%). On the other hand, 45.4 percent of the total
domestic trips were leisure trips, and religious purposes (23%) and visiting friends and relatives (22%) ranked
second and third, respectively (MAS, 2012).
Based on Passport Department statistics, tourist travel abroad for all purposes by Saudi residents in (1999) was
4.6 million, while expenditure was estimated by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) at SR19.7
billion. It is understood that the SAMA figures relate only to transactions through Saudi banks. Substantial
further expenditure on travel is made by cash, foreign credit cards, and foreign bank accounts and from assets
held abroad. It is expected that total expenditure on foreign travel greatly exceed the SAMA figures. Further
research is underway to estimate the total outflows and expenditure on foreign travel.
The growth of the international tourism sector in GCC countries is embedded in the general strategy of economic
diversification and the re-development of post-oil economies. Sharjah was the first emirate in the UAE to adopt a
tourism development strategy in the mid-70s, albeit one that uniquely focused on developing particularistic
forms of cultural tourism. Bahrain replaced Beirut as the regional hub of international banking and financial
services. During the 70s and 80s, the region developed an extended infrastructure of hotels and meeting facilities
to satisfy the demands of the oil business; facilitated by the construction industry which laid the pathway to a
buoyant and attractive service sector industry (Al-Hamarneh, A. and Stephenson, M., 2011).
3. Research Methodology
To achieve the objectives of the research referred to earlier has been relying on a mixture of research strategies
office and field, descriptive and analytical commensurate with the nature of the data required for this research.
The research is framed within the structure, using a large, multi-resource literature review complemented by
conceptual diagrams and interviews. The literature review is used to understand broad concepts within the Saudi

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tourism. Questionnaire is used to collect the primary data from the respondents. The questionnaire includes the
general data tothe study sample, and the basic dataincludes the factors responsible to increase tourism in Saudi
Arabia. . The questionnaire was distributed to a sample of tourists‟ places inSaudi Arabia. Cronbacha‟s Alpha test,
Chi-Square Test and Pearson Correlation analytical methods are used using SPSS program. Interview was
conducted from the tourists visiting the country.
3.1 Research Gaps
 Although there are several studies that focused on tourism at Saudi and economic implication but focused to the
evaluation of the service provided. The study focus on the evaluation of the services provided to the tourists
visiting the kingdom.
 Secondly this study will use triangulation approach such as observation, interview and questionnaire.
3.2 Formulation of Research Hypothesis
H1: The choice of tourist‟s destination is dependent on occupation.
H2: The choice of tourist‟s destination is dependent on age-group.
H3: The purpose of visit is dependent on the visitors‟ occupational profile.
H4: The frequency of visit is dependent on the visitors‟ occupational profile.
H5: The average money spent per day is dependent on the visitors‟ occupational profile.
H6: The stay of visitors is dependent on the visitors‟ occupational profile.
3.3 Data Collection
In order to collect the primary data required for the research, this study adopted investigation and primary
analysis in procedural and structured manner. By means of such process researcher was able to influence future
research process (Bryman and Bell, 2007). Questionnaire approach for gathering primary information such as
experts opinions, past studies, undertake pilot study, evaluate validity using cronabch‟s alpha test. Meanwhile
the questionnaire approach was also executed for assessing tourist‟s attitude regarding tourism at Saudi Arabia.
The primary data and information for the study are collected by means of questionnaire and semi-structured
interviews. Following section describes the research tools implemented in the study. For obtaining information
related to the attitude of tourists towards Kingdom, the researcher adopted LIKERT scale in the study. The
LIKERT scale adopted in the study consists of five rankings based on which the respondents have to answer the
questionnaire. The five ranges included in the Likert scale are “STRONGLY AGREE, AGREE, NEUTRAL,
DISAGREE, STRONGLY DISAGREE”. It is argued by Dundas (2004) that Likert scale has the competence to
provide the questionnaire approach to distinguish various attitude levels and make the approach to be effective.
3.4 Sampling
Generally the probability sampling technique is preferred in the survey which is based on the research strategies
(Saunders et al., 2003). The sampling method which is appropriate should be decided.
Random sampling was used in this study since it is the best known form of probability sample and selects
educators without showing bias for any personal characteristics (Barbie, 2001). In random sampling each
element has an equal chance of selection independent of any other event in the selection process. (Barbie,
2001:175). 707 respondents was be selected randomly
3.5 Target Area
The study is conducted in Saudi Arabia in Makkah and Madina region.
3.6 Sampling Technique
Table 1. The different sampling techniques adopted during the stages in the research
S.no Evaluation/ Stage of Research Type of sampling Reasons
1 Pilot Convenience Target group which is small.
Participants supporting to
enhance the questionnaire
2 Questionnaire analysis convenience motivation of volunteer
participants
3 Interview analysis Judgment Brief answers are expected for
the interview from tourists.

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Size of the sample: Participant mix

Determination of sample size is an important task in order to ensure that chosen population is a representative of
the study population. According to Kerlinger (1996) sampling is a process in which a portion of the total study
population is chosen ensuring them to be the representative of the entire study population. For calculating the
minimum sample population size, Saunders et al. (2003) formulated a formula which is given as follows:
The formula of Saunders et al. (2003) decides the range of the least sample.
Sample size n = (ZS/E)2
Where
Z = Standardized value corresponding to a confidence level of 95% = 1.96
S = Sample SD from Pilot study of 50 sample = 0.59
E = Acceptable Error = 5% = 0.05
Hence, Sample size n = (ZS/E)2
= (1.96*0.59/0.05)2
= 534.90
= 535
Total Sample selected = 706
4. Results and Discussion
Z-score was used to transform the ordinal data and mean and standard deviation were used to express the
summary statistics, while the frequencies and percentage was in case of all categorical variables such as gender,
occupation, etc, both nominal and ordinal. The non-parametric chi-square test of independence was used to test
the dependence of two variables such income and occupation, etc, and all test were two-tailed, tested at α=5%
level of significance. Factor Analysis was done to understand the visitors‟ satisfaction criteria. Suitable graphs
were used to help aid in statistical reporting. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software
(version21.0).
4.1 Tourist Profile
The table below suggests that the most preferred visit destination is Abha followed by Makkah.
Table 2. Preferred Citied for Tourism
Preferred Cities For Tourism N (%)
Makkah 148(20.96%)
Riyadh 115(16.29%)
Damman 104(14.73%)
Abha 208(29.46%)
Others 131(18.56%)
Total 706
Table 3. Occupation distribution of the tourists with respect to cities
Null Hypothesis: The choice of tourist‟s destination is independent of its occupation
Alternative Hypothesis: The choice of tourist‟s destination is dependent on is occupation.
OCCUPATION STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRIVATE BUSINESSMAN RETIREE
CITIES EMPLOYEE SECTOR
EMPLOYEE
Makkah 64(9.06%) 419(5.81%) 18(2.55%) 8(1.13%) 17(2.41%)
Riyadh 35(4.96%) 51(7.22%) 9(1.27%) 6(0.85%) 14(1.98%)
Dammam 21(2.97%) 28(3.97%) 33(4.67%) 7(0.99%) 15(2.12%)
Abha 28(3.79%) 63(8.92%) 27(3.82%) 20(2.83%) 69(9.77%)
Others 34(4.82%) 47(6.66%) 12(1.70%) 11(1.56%) 28(3.97%)
Total 182(25.78%) 230(35.58%) 99(14.02%) 52(7.37%) 143(20.25%)
p-value of <0.05at 5% level of significance
chi-test of
independence

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Table 4. Age-Groups distribution of the tourists

Null Hypothesis: The choice of tourist‟s destination is independent of its age-group
Alternative Hypothesis: The choice of tourist‟s destination is dependent on is age-group.
AGE-GROUPS UNDER 20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 MORE THAN
CITIES 60
Makkah 19(2.69%) 72(10.20%) 25(3.54%) 14(1.98%) 10(1.42%) 8(1.13%)
Riyadh 12(1.70%) 37(5.24%) 31(4.39%) 13(1.84%) 22(3.12%) 0.00(0.00%)
Dammam 6(0.85%) 26(3.68%) 30(4.25%) 25(3.54%) 11(1.56%) 6(0.85%)
Abha 9(1.27%) 39(5.52%) 53(7.51%) 51(7.22%) 49(6.94%) 7(0.99%)
Others 6(0.85%) 38(5.38%) 36(5.10%) 23(3.26%) 22(3.12%) 6(0.85%)
Total 52(7.37%) 212(30.03%) 175(24.79%) 126(17.85%) 114(16.15%) 27(3.82%)
p-value of <0.05at 5% level of significance
chi-test of
independence
Table 5. Occupation distribution of the tourists with respect to cities
Null Hypothesis: The choice of tourist‟s destination is independent of its occupation
Alternative Hypothesis: The choice of tourist‟s destination is dependent on is occupation.
OCCUPATION STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRIVATE BUSINESSMAN RETIREE
CITIES EMPLOYEE SECTOR
EMPLOYEE
Makkah 64(9.06%) 419(5.81%) 18(2.55%) 8(1.13%) 17(2.41%)
Riyadh 35(4.96%) 51(7.22%) 9(1.27%) 6(0.85%) 14(1.98%)
Dammam 21(2.97%) 28(3.97%) 33(4.67%) 7(0.99%) 15(2.12%)
Abha 28(3.79%) 63(8.92%) 27(3.82%) 20(2.83%) 69(9.77%)
Others 34(4.82%) 47(6.66%) 12(1.70%) 11(1.56%) 28(3.97%)
Total 182(25.78%) 230(35.58%) 99(14.02%) 52(7.37%) 143(20.25%)
p-value of <0.05at 5% level of significance
chi-test of
independence
Table 6. The reasons for choosing Saudi Arabia for tourism
Null Hypothesis: The purpose of visit is independent of the visitors‟ occupational profile
Alternative Hypothesis: The purpose of visit is dependent on the visitors‟ occupational profile
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SAUDI ARABIA FOR TOURISM VISIT?
OCCUPATION STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRIVATE BUSINESSMAN RETIREE
PURPOSE EMPLOYEE SECTOR
EMPLOYEE
Business 8(1.13%) 42(5.95%) 18(2.55%) 2(0.48%) 10(1.42%)
Development
Religious Aspect 65(9.21%) 48(6.80%) 17(1.27%) 11(1.56%) 17(2.41%)
Income Related 3(0.42%) 6(0.85%) 4(0.57%) 5(0.71%) 1(0.14%)
Factor
Visiting Friends And 75(10.62%) 96(13.60%) 28(3.97%) 22(3.12%) 40(5.67%)
Relatives
Treatment Visit 12(1.70%) 32(4.53%) 28(3.97%) 5(0.71%) 66(9.35%)
Others 19(2.69%) 6(0.85%) 4(0.57%) 7(0.99%) 9(1.275%)
TOTAL 182(25.78%) 230(35.58%) 99(14.02%) 52(7.37%) 143(20.25%)
p-value of chi-test of <0.05at 5% level of significance
independence

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Table 7. Distribution of the visiting frequency occupation-wise

Null Hypothesis: The frequency of visit is independent of the visitors‟ occupational profile
Alternative Hypothesis: The frequency of visit is dependent on the visitors‟ occupational profile.
HOW OFTEN YOU VISIT SAUDI ARABIA FOR TOURISM VISIT?
Occupation STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRIVATE BUSINESSMAN RETIREE
Visit Frequency EMPLOYEE SECTOR
EMPLOYEE
First Time 20(2.83%) 37(5.24%) 28(3.97%) 3(0.42%) 54(7.66%)
Second Time 27(3.82%) 30(4.25%) 20(2.83%) 18(2.55%) 11(1.56%)
Third Time 35(4.96%) 35(4.96%) 19(2.69%) 8(1.13%) 6(0.85%)
Fourth Time 13(1.84%) 10(1.42%) 1(0.14%) 2(0.28%) 8(1.13%)
More Than Four 87(12.32%) 118(16.71%) 31(4.39%) 21(2.97%) 64(9.07%)
Time
Total 182(25.78%) 230(35.58%) 99(14.02%) 52(7.37%) 143(20.25%)
p-value of chi-test <0.05at 5% level of significance
of independence
Table 8. The average amount of money spent per day
Null Hypothesis: The average money spent per day is independent of the visitors‟ occupational profile
Alternative Hypothesis: The average money spent per day is dependent on the visitors‟ occupational profile.
THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT PER DAY
OCCUPATION STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRIVATE BUSINESSMAN RETIREE
MONEY SPENT EMPLOYEE SECTOR
IN SR EMPLOYEE
LESS THAN 111(15.72%) 94(13.31%) 42(5.96%) 11(1.56%) 42(5.95%)
1,000
1,000-5,000 55(7.79%) 83(11.76%) 31(2.83%) 19(2.69%) 69(9.77%)
5,000-10,000 15(2.12%) 36(5.10%) 14(1.98%) 19(2.69%) 26(3.68%)
10,000-15,00 0(0.00%) 14(1.98%) 12(1.70%) 2(0.28%) 4(0.57%)
15,000-20,000 0(0.00%) 0(0.00%) 0(0.00%) 0(0.00%) 1(0.14%)
More than 20,000 1(0.14%) 0(0.00%) 1(0.14%) 1(0.14%) 1(0.14%)
TOTAL 182(25.78%) 230(35.58%) 99(14.02%) 52(7.37%) 143(20.25%)
p-value of chi-test <0.05at 5% level of significance
of independence
Null Hypothesis: The stay of visitors is independent of the visitors‟ occupational profile
Alternative Hypothesis: The stay of visitors is dependent on the visitors‟ occupational profile.
Table 9. The Mean Z-Score of the Likert Scale of each parameter within each variable
THE AVERAGE TIME SPENT IN SAUDI ARABIA IN VACATION
OCCUPATION STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRIVATE BUSINESSMAN RETIREE
TIME SPENT EMPLOYEE SECTOR
VACATING IN EMPLOYEE
SAUDI
ARABIA
Less Than 1 102(14.45%) 140(13.31%) 47(6.66%) 34(4.82%) 81(11.47%)
Week
1-3 Week 61(8.64%) 63(8.92%) 23(3.26%) 12(1.70%) 45(6.37%)
3-5 Week 11(1.56%) 12(2.36%) 19(2.69%) 2(0.28%) 5(0.71%)
More Than Five 8(1.13%) 15(2.12%) 10(1.42%) 4(0.57%) 12(1.07%)
Week
Total 182(25.78%) 230(35.58%) 99(14.02%) 52(7.37%) 143(20.25%)
p-value of <0.05at 5% level of significance
chi-test of
independence
The table below shows the Mean Z-Score of the Likert Scale of each parameter within each variable, where in
the positive average Z-Score infers that the respondents comprising of all groups, on the average (majority) have
replied in affirmative or are satisfied as marked in the table below, and the negative infers that the respondents
comprising of all groups, on the average (majority) have replied in negative or are dissatisfied.
The Mean Z-Score of the Likert Scale of each parameter within each variable

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Z-SCORE
MEAN±
-PARAMETERS INFERNCE
STANDARD
DEVIATION
The county is having convenient transport system. -0.002±1.001 NOT SATISFIED
The county is having convenient transport system 0.001±1.001 SATISFIED
It is easy to locate different places you want to visit -0.002±1.001 NOT SATISFIED
There is convenience of communication and other amenities 0.000±1.001 SATISFIED
General There is convenience of fooding and other places, such as NOT SATISFIED
-0.002±1.000
Conditions markets and parks.
There is convenience of fooding and other places, such as NOT SATISFIED
-0.001±1.001
markets and parks.
Services offers with suitable values such as restaurants, and
0.002±1.001 SATISFIED
accommodation
Good assistance from government personnel. -0.002±1.001 NOT SATISFIED
Service They have a safety and security measures -0.002±1.001 NOT SATISFIED
Related The cities are cleaned -0.002±1.001 NOT SATISFIED
Factors Friendly environment and supportive people 0.003±0.999 SATISFIED
Treat tourist with respect and courtesy 0.001±1.001 SATISFIED
There is a build-up on existing trust and goodwill in this 0.001±1.001
SATISFIED
country
They always have cleaned environment for tourists. -0.001±1.001 NOT SATISFIED
They always have good medical support available for
Agreement -0.003±0.999 NOT SATISFIED
tourists.
With Regard
They facilitate availability of food and other necessary items
To -0.001±1.001 NOT SATISFIED
to available for tourists.
Functional
The country ensure there to be no lag in government
Factors
activities for tourists 0.002+1.000 SATISFIED

I get satisfaction during my visit 0.000±1.001 SATISFIED

I always says good things about this country to others -0.002±0.999 NOT SATISFIED
5. Conclusion
In Saudi Arabia, religious tourism is very important due to the location of the two holiest sites in Islam-Makkah
and Madinah. 40 percent of the total numbers of inbound trips in 2011 were for religious purposes. The
government is drawing full attention to its development to retain a larger portion of tourism spending for the
national tourism industry. We can see increase in domestic tourism in recent years. Currently Saudi Arabia is
planning to invest more on tourism of Saudi Arabia. The kingdom‟s tourism industry, which is dominated by
pilgrims and business travelers, has experienced a rise in religious tourists after the visa policy was relaxed. The
government is expanding the international airports to serve more passengers. It is also said that that the demand
for the younger population, and this is a major market will also increase.
This research study was conducted on seven hundred and six randomly selected Visitors visiting Saudi Arabia,
and the data was collected by structured questionnaire in order to understand the drivers of the vibrant Saudi
Tourism. The respondents‟ demographic profile is as follows: the respondents were in almost in the age-group of
18 to 60 plus, where majority were in the age-group of 31-50. Further, most travelers were found to be married.
The middle-income groups were the found to most visitors, and were in the income-bracket of less than 10,000
SR, constituting almost 414(58.54%). Most of the travelers were not found to be highly educated, as majority
were below undergraduates travel most to Saudi Arabia, which are 471(66.71%). On the basis of occupational
profile, Makkah& Madinah are the favorite tourist destination for the students while Abha is the most favored
destination for the rest type of visitors. The government employees were found to be the most frequent travelers`
to Saudi Arabia.
The research objective was to study the purpose of visiting Saudi Arabia, and it was found that the most favored
reason is visiting friends and relatives, followed by religious aspect, treatment visit and business development.
Therefore, Saudi has family visitors and religious tourists were most frequent visitors (visiting more than four
times) and spending on an average in the range of 0-5,000 Saudi Riyal.
After analyzing the hypothesis we could have analyzed that tourist‟s destination is dependent on occupation,
whereas destination is independent of its age-group. We can also find that the purpose of visit is dependent on
the visitors‟ occupational profile; the report also suggests that the average money spent per day is dependent on
the visitors‟ occupational profile whereas the stay of visitors is dependent on the visitors‟ occupational profile.
When evaluated on the satisfaction parameter, we found that they impressed by Saudi hospitality, meaning

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friendly environment and supportive people, convenience in communication, restaurant and accommodation
services and especially the government support to ensure that there is no lag in government activities for tourists.
Policy Recommendation:
There are certain parameters where the tourists were not satisfied and the initiative should be made to increase
the comfort and satisfaction level of the tourists visiting the country.
1. The government transport system within the city of Makkah and Madinah should be made available. Like
government bus services should be made available for the tourist to commute Haram from their hotels. Moreover
railway facility in Saudi Arabia is still lagging. The only mode of intercity communication is either flight or bus
services (government & private). Flight services are more convenient but are expensive for the middle and lower
income group tourists whereas bus service is cheap but it is more tiring and time consuming. Connecting major
cities with railway will not only reduce the cost to the tourists but will also give comfort to them.
2. It is also seen that most of the tourist who visit kingdom are international travelers who do not know Arabic
as a language of communication. So during Hajj and Umra season they often face difficulties in communication
with government personals. It is strongly recommended that a separate cell should be made to guide and assist
the tourists visiting the kingdom. The personal in the cell should be comfortable in communication in major two
languages including English and Arabic.
3. Medical facility is another area of concern. Hospitals and dispensaries are available in almost every part of
the kingdom. But still tourist does not find ease to locate the dispensary. Hence it is also recommended that
dispensary signage should be made available at various locations so in case of emergency the patients can easily
visit to the hospitals and dispensary. Medical facility should also be highlighted at airports and bus stations.
4. During Hajj duration hygiene is another area of concern. Though it is difficult but it should be taken into
account for the proper cleanliness of the environment.
5. The use biodegradable packaging material should be encouraged and poly packs should be discouraged.
6. Recycling of the beverage bottles should be taken into account so the wastage of the bottle will be
minimized.
Acknowledgement
This Project was funded by the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah,
under grant no. G - 111 - 245 – 36. The author, therefore, acknowledge with thanks DSR for technical and
financial support.
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