A REVIEW ON THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURIST SATISFACTION AND DESTINATION IMAGE IN KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Despite the extensive literature on tourism and tourist satisfaction, the consensus about the reasons of tourist satisfaction and the resulting consequences is lacking in Saudi Tourism Industry. This study peeps into the matter and put effort to fill this lacuna by highlighting the importance of tourist satisfaction in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Past researches, reports and news were explored to fetch the latest knowledge regarding the tourism sector in KSA and its destination image. The review of literature shows that  Saudi Arabia has a geographical advantage since it is located at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has abundant natural and historical resources provided by a vast territory and rich history. One of the strong aspects of Saudi tourism is the authenticity available through its variety of cultural heritage (dress, food, drinks, entertainment etc). Therefore, it is important to study tourism related variables in KSA. With the hope of delivering the first comprehensive review and evaluation of destination image and tourist satisfaction as well as the interrelationship between them in the context of KSA, this study expected to provide tourism managers and marketers in KSA a scientific insight as foundation for their strategic marketing decisions.