Sustainable urban planning for the development and rehabilitation of heritage villages in al Baha region : service quality perception and satisfaction

Abstract EN

Sustainable heritage development and rehabilitation is an important environmental and economic target.

Saudi Arabia is old country rich in heritage and historical facilities that reflect its social traditions and its urban and architectural identity.

This paper analyses the current condition of heritage villages and historical facilities in Saudi Arabia in order to identify factors associated with sustainable development of cultural heritage sites.

The main aim was to evaluate the current condition of heritage villages and historical facilities and the impact of heritage culture on tourism, with a focus on the public perception of sustainable heritage in tourism and the economy.

A public survey was conducted between May and August 2016, which involved respondents (n= 534) from across Saudi Arabia.

An online distribution tool was used to (a) analyses public perception of heritage villages in Al Baha; (b) identify the factors influencing the development of heritage and historical facilities; (c) highlight the cultural barriers that affect the rehabilitation of historical facilities; and (d) determine the level of awareness of cultural heritage in the Saudi community.

The study concludes by highlighting factors that need to be developed in order to meet the rehabilitation requirements of historical facilities in Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, the study suggests three important types of studies that still need to be conducted on developing and rehabilitating heritage villages in Saudi Arabia.