Tourist perceptions and attitudes toward desert tourism in Oman

Tourism industry is a complex activity made up of different business sectors. It influences society as well the growth of a particular place. Oman is emerging tourist destination offering a range of tourist activities. Oman has beautiful natural and man-made attractions. Deserts are one of the very attractive and appealing tourist places. This research examines tourist perceptions and attitudes toward desert tourism. Tourism acts as a promoter to achieve Oman’s Vision 2040 strategic goals. Oman Vision 2040 is the guiding force for economic and social planning for the period of 2021-2040. This study focuses on tourist perceptions and explores the key factors like perceived quality, environmental awareness, cultural experience, community’s perception, and economic impact that influences tourists’ perception of eco-tourism. Data will be collected from domestic and international tourists visiting Oman’s desert eco-tourism spots, using structured questionnaire. The results may offer pragmatic evidence of relationship between eco-tourism development and national strategic objectives, exhibiting the crucial role of tourists’ experiences and perceptions in supporting sustainable tourism initiatives. This study contributes towards understanding of sustainable tourism strategies that develop economic diversification, environmental conservation, and social and cultural empowerment in Oman. Keywords: Desert Eco-Tourism, Vision 2040, Tourist Perceptions, Sustainable Tourism, Economic Diversification, Environmental Awareness, Oman.