Work

Integrating Hard and Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Tourism: A Spatial Analysis of Saudi Regions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Tourism performance often depends on the joint provision of built (“hard”) and environmental (“green”) infrastructure, yet their combined effects are not well established. Using official data for Saudi Arabia’s 13 regions (2023–2024), this study constructs composite hard and green indices, estimates ordinary least squares models with heteroskedasticity-consistent inference, and probes spatial heterogeneity using geographically weighted regression (exploratory) alongside k-means/hierarchical clustering. Hard infrastructure is the strongest and most consistent correlate of overnight visitors and spending, whereas green infrastructure exhibits non-positive marginal effects over the observed range of hard capacity; a negative, statistically significant Hard × Green interaction indicates diminishing returns to greening as built capacity increases. Clustering differentiates metropolitan hubs from nature-oriented regions, underscoring place-specific policy needs. Practically, results support sequencing prioritizing foundational access and basic accommodation in under-served regions, quality upgrades and public-realm enhancement in mature centers, and targeted green interventions where marginal gains are greatest. Key limitations (cross-sectional design; coarse green metrics) motivate richer environmental indicators and longitudinal data to clarify dynamics and thresholds over time.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17209295

Author: Muhannad Mohammed Alfehaid

Institution: Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University

Language: English

Topic: Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896