Improving the Syrian Coastal Area in the Context of Sustainable Tourism

Abstract

Tourism is an important field of industry that helps create a large number of job opportunities in many fields that contribute to economic development and increase personal and national incomes. However, when tourism is planned irregularly and without discipline, it negatively affects the environment and natural resources by threatening the environmental resources of future generations. Therefore, we need sustainable tourism development to strike a balance between economic growth on the one hand and the protection of environmental resources and social values on the other. This study aimed to investigate the conditions of sustainable tourism planning. In line with this goal, a picture of the physical potential of the region was created by using the literature data on sustainable tourism, environmental analysis of the Syrian coastal region, on-site observation and mapping method, and qualitative research techniques. Suggestions are put forward in line with the findings that are presented in the created table. We believe that the study will make a positive contribution to the literature to ensure sustainable tourism development on the Syrian coast in terms of urban, environmental, social, and global aspects. Keywords: sustainable development, sustainable tourism, the Syrian Coast