This research project assesses the current and likely future tourism development in Dubai. Particular reference was given to the concept of sustainable tourism development. It was to be answered, whether the current scale of tourism development in Dubai is likely to be sustainable. In order to answer this question, the author has used several frameworks for assessing Dubai’s current scale of tourism development and its strengths and weaknesses as a tourist destination. Moreover the concept of sustainability has been introduced in this project. The importance of sustainable tourism development in Dubai had to be assessed; hence, the author demonstrated a choice of Dubai’s approaches towards sustainability. Finally recommendations are given of how to further tourism development in Dubai should be realised.
The research findings show that Dubai’s strategic tourism development is focused on quantity rather on quality. 20 years ago, Dubai consisted mainly of desert, today countless hotels, theme parks, and even artificial islands are being built to meet the current demand and to attract more tourists. Such a rapid development is not without criticism in terms of major negative sociocultural and environmental impacts. This piece of work highlights these impacts and points out whether they can be overcome or not.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.2 Purpose of the Study
1.3 Country Overview
2. Literature Review
2.1 Theories on the Tourism Industry
2.1.1 Tourism Planning, Development and Management
2.1.2 The TALC-Model
2.2 Impacts of Tourism
4.3 The Concept of Sustainability
2.3.1 Sustainable Tourism Development
4.4 SWOT Analysis
3. Methodology
3.1 What is Research?
3.2 Research Families
3.2.1 Secondary Data
3.2.2 Primary Data
3.3 Research Techniques
3.3.1 Interview
3.3.2 Questionnaires
3.4 Key Concepts
3.4.1 Validity
3.4.2 Reliability
3.4.3 Generalization
3.4.4 Triangulation
3.5 Ethical Issues
4. Research Findings
4.1 Analysis of Tourism Development in Dubai
4.1.1 Tourism Planning in Dubai according to Cooper’s Framework
4.1.1.1 Tourism Policy
4.1.1.2 Marketing Strategy
4.1.1.3 Taxation Structure
4.1.1.4 Infrastructure Developments
4.1.1.5 Education and Training
4.2 The Tourism Product in Dubai
4.2.1 Types of Tourism
4.2.2 Visitor Profiles
4.2.3 Current Projects
4.3 Application of the TALC Model to Dubai
4.4 Impacts of the Tourism Industry in Dubai
4.4.1 Economic Impacts
4.4.2 Sociocultural Impacts
4.4.3 Environmental Impacts
4.5 Sustainable Tourism Development
4.5.1 The Need for Sustainable Tourism Development in Dubai
4.5.2 Approaches towards Sustainability in Dubai
4.5.2.1 The Al Maha Desert Resort
4.5.2.2 Environmental Master Plan
4.6 Primary Data Analysis
4.7 SWOT-Analysis
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Examine the key characteristics of current and likely future tourism development in Dubai
5.2 Assess the potential of Dubai as a tourist destination with particular reference to SWOT analysis
5.3 Analyse possible threats to tourism development in Dubai
5.4 Assess the importance of sustainable tourism development in Dubai
5.5 Formulate recommendations as to how further tourism development in Dubai can be realised
Research Objectives & Key Themes
This research project evaluates the rapid evolution of Dubai's tourism sector, assessing whether its aggressive growth strategies align with the principles of long-term sustainable development, given the significant socio-cultural and environmental challenges that have emerged alongside its economic success.
- Analysis of Dubai's tourism growth and planning strategies.
- Evaluation of tourism impacts (economic, environmental, and socio-cultural).
- Application of the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model to assess destination maturity.
- Exploration of sustainable development frameworks in the context of Dubai.
- Strategic recommendations for shifting towards qualitative rather than purely quantitative tourism.
Excerpt from the Book
1.2 Purpose of the Study
“In the words of Donald Trump Junior of Trump International Hotels, ’It is an incredible place. What they are doing is amazing. They are limited purely by their imagination and the law of physics.’” (Oxford Business Group, 2007, p.173)
Within 30 years Dubai developed from a small fishing country to the fastest growing tourist destination in the world. Even as recently as 10 years ago, Dubai boasted just two resort hotels. It began as one of the least resource-rich states in the Arabian Gulf - today it is seen to become the new economic and cultural capital of the world (Zacks, 2007).
The confidence in what Dubai has to offer as a destination is backed up by the development of some of the most impressive tourism projects in the world. Especially in 2007 the projects that caught attention include such high-scale projects as The Palm, Hydropolis, Dubai Marina, Burj Dubai, Dubailand, Dubai Maritime City and Dubai Waterfront (Oxford Business Group, 2007, p.144). All these projects maintain that Dubai is planning to be one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations – and it seems as if they are succeeding. Regarding the current development in the emirate, “the signs are positive for continued growth in Dubai's tourism market”, said Khalid Bin Sulayem, Director General of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) for the Dubai Government.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides background on Dubai's transition into a major tourism hub and outlines the research objectives regarding sustainability.
2. Literature Review: Discusses theoretical foundations, including the TALC model, sustainability concepts, and the advocacy/cautionary platforms of tourism.
3. Methodology: Details the systematic research approach, including the use of secondary data and primary expert interviews.
4. Research Findings: Analyzes Dubai's current tourism projects, sector impacts, and the application of sustainability principles in a local context.
5. Conclusion and Recommendations: Synthesizes the findings to argue that current growth is unsustainable and provides strategic recommendations for a quality-focused future.
Keywords
Dubai, Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Development, TALC Model, SWOT Analysis, Economic Diversification, Environmental Impact, Socio-cultural Impact, Tourism Planning, Mass Tourism, Quality-driven Tourism, Strategic Management, Tourism Competitiveness, MICE Tourism, Infrastructure Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines the rapid tourism development in Dubai to determine if its current scale and trajectory are sustainable in the long term.
What are the primary themes covered in this work?
Key themes include tourism planning, sustainable development, environmental impact, economic diversification, and the strategic evolution of Dubai as a global destination.
What is the main objective of this study?
The study aims to answer the central research question: Is the current level of tourism development in Dubai likely to be sustainable?
Which scientific framework is used to analyze the tourism life cycle?
The author applies the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model developed by Butler to assess the stage of development Dubai has reached.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body evaluates tourism development characteristics, conducts a SWOT analysis, reviews various impact categories, and proposes strategic recommendations for the future.
Which keywords define this project?
The work is characterized by terms like Sustainable Tourism, Dubai, TALC Model, SWOT Analysis, and Tourism Development.
How is sustainability defined within this document?
Sustainability is framed through the Brundtland Report's definition of meeting current needs without compromising future generations, alongside the WTO's eleven principles.
What role does the Dubai Government play in tourism according to the research?
The government acts as a driver for aggressive growth, focusing on massive infrastructure projects to diversify the economy away from oil.
Why are environmental impacts particularly critical in Dubai?
The research highlights that high reliance on air conditioning, desalinated water, and massive coastal dredging contributes to significant negative environmental footprints.
What is the main recommendation for Dubai's tourism strategy?
The author recommends a fundamental shift from quantitative growth towards quality-driven, culturally aware, and environmentally responsible tourism development.
- Quote paper
- Julia Kühn (Author), 2008, A study of opportunities and threats emerging from the current and likely future tourism development in Dubai, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/137937
