TOURISM IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICATDM 458

Ara Pachmayer

OVERVIEW

The Middle East is one of the original cultural hearths

Deserts, Arabs, Oil, Muslims and geopolitical turmoil represent the common conceptualization of the Middle East

Development of the petroleum industry has had a large impact on the regionOPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting

Countries) – member countries profoundly influence global prices and production targets for petroleum

INTRODUCTION Regions

The Maghreb

The Levant Anatolia

(Asia Minor) Mesopotam

ia Arabian

Peninsula

POPULATION AND SETTLEMENT Geography of the Population

More than 400 million peopleDominant population clusters around

water Maghreb: more humid areas of the Atlas Mts. and

coast Exotic Rivers - a river that comes from a humid

area and flows into a dry area that otherwise lacks streams, can support irrigation Egypt’s Nile River Valley: 70 million live within 10

miles of the river – one of the most densely populated places in the world

Jordan River ValleyKibbutz - Israeli collectively worked settlement

that produce grain, vegetable and orchard crops irrigated by the Jordan River and feeder canals

Agrotourism Tigris and Euphrates

POPULATION AND SETTLEMENT

Oasis Life Areas where high groundwater or deep-water

wells provide reliable moisture Small agriculture settlements Trading Centers Al Ain, UAE - Oasis turned resort town

POPULATION AND SETTLEMENT Some of the world’s oldest urban areas

Some are main tourist centers . . . Others are not Cairo vs. Baghdad

Long Urban LegacyCity life began in Mesopotamia (modern

day Iraq) and EgyptRise of trade centers around 2000 B.C.These cities eventually became Centers of

Islamic religious administration and education Baghdad, Cairo Traditional urban core of an Islamic City - medina Often the main tourist attraction in an Islamic

CityColonialism left European influence

POPULATION AND SETTLEMENT

Signatures of GlobalizationUrban Centers have become focal points of

economic growthOil wealth has added modern elements to

traditional cities A Region on the Move

Migration Rural to Urban – like we see in Latin America and

Africa Migration of low-wage workers from other areas

(e.g. Bangladesh workers in Dubai) Migration of workers from the region elsewhere

POPULATION IN THE REGION

PATTERNS OF RELIGION

Heart of the Judeo - Christian TraditionJews and Christians trace their roots to the eastern Mediterranean

The emergence of IslamOriginated in Middle East in 622 A.D.Judaism and Christianity share many of the same prophets

PATTERNS OF RELIGION

The emergence of IslamFive Pillars

Repeat the basic creed to accept Islam, Pray five times daily facing Mecca, Give charitable contributions (if possible), Fast during the month of Ramadan

Make at least one religious pilgrimage to Mecca - the Hajj

Theocratic State - one in which religious leaders guide policy - for example Iran

PATTERNS OF RELIGION

The emergence of IslamMajor religious schism divided Islam early

on, and until today Shiites and Sunnis

Conflicts impact stability of the region today

Modern Islamic diversityMuslim majority in region, except for Israel

and Cyprus Sunni (73%), Shiites (23%) dominant in Iran,

southern Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan and Bahrain

DIFFUSION OF ISLAM

REGIONAL CULTURES IN GLOBAL CONTEXT

Islamic Internationalism Islamic communities well established in

Central China, European Russia, the Balkans, Central Africa, southern Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia

Globalization and Cultural Change Global economy is having an impact on

traditional cultural values Fundamentalism is a reaction in small minority

Access to satellite TV, cell phones, the internet brings global culture to the region

Some cities are trying to balance these complex cultures – Dubai is pursuing modern growth but still protecting cultural heritage and religious tradition

GEOPOLITICAL FRAMEWORK

The Colonial LegacyEuropean colonialism came late

Widespread European colonialism after WWI Many political boundaries set by colonial powers

Imposing European PowerFrench in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Syria

and Lebanon since 1800 Italians in Libya, Spanish in MoroccoTurkey, Iran (Persia) never occupiedBritain in Arabian Peninsula and Persian

Gulf by 1900 Suez Canal British instrumental in establishing Saudi Arabia

GEOPOLITICAL FRAMEWORK

Imposing European PowerDecolonization and Independence

Europeans began to withdraw before WWII By 1950 most independent Algeria independent in 1962

Modern Geopolitical Issues The Arab-Israeli Conflict

Creation of Israel in 1948 Three wars - 1956, 1967 (when Israel gained most

land) and 1973 Intifada - 1987 - Palestinian uprising protesting

Jewish settlements; Second Intifada in 2000 Ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians

GEOPOLITICAL FRAMEWORK

Modern Geopolitical IssuesConflicts within states in addition to Iraq

and Israel Lebanon Cyprus

Green Line - demarcation set up by UN peacekeepers that divided the capital of Nicosia

Arab SpringCurrent Anti-American SentimentAn uncertain Political Future

International political relations remain complex Israel, Turkey, Jordan are US allies; Iran, Syria

oppose US Oil plays a major role

ECONOMIC & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Geography of Fossil Fuels

Oil unevenly distributed in the area Saudi Arabia, Iran, U.A.E., Libya, Algeria

contribute significantly to oil production, while Morocco and Sudan have few developed petroleum reserves

This region has 7% of the world’s population; holds 68% of the world’s proven petroleum reserves

Regional Economic PatternsHigher-Income Oil Exporters

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, U.A.E. Cultural landscape reshaped because of oil

wealth Not all benefit – rural Shiites and foreign workers High levels of disposable income makes these

countries large tourist source countries

ECONOMIC & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Regional Economic Patterns

Lower-Income Oil Exporters Algeria: oil and natural gas are its top exports;

but political instability remains a problem Iran: has huge oil reserves, but long war with Iraq

(1980-90), and withdrawal from world trade under fundamentalist government have lowered living standards

Prospering Without Oil Israel has highest living standard in the region

Growing hi-tech industry Turkey has a diversified economy; has seen

growth

ECONOMIC & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Regional Economic Patterns

Regional Patterns of Poverty Morocco is poorer than Algeria or Tunisia and

suffers from brain drain Brain drain – phenomenon in which some of

brightest young people leave for better jobs in Western Europe

Egypt’s prospects unclear, with growth in 1990s, but large gaps between rich and poor

Yemen is poorest country in the Arabian Peninsula Increasing Islamic Extremists presence

ECONOMIC & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Global Economic Relationships

Changing Global Linkages Oil is the major export of the region

Oil makes up 70% of region’s exports OPEC still influences cost and availability of

petroleum Turkey exports textiles, food products, and

manufactured goods Israeli exports include cut diamonds, electronics,

machinery parts Tourism includes religious and historical sites, other

activities Regional Connections

Relationships with the EU are critical; Turkey asks to join EU (not admitted, but is a member of NATO)

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

CONCLUSIONS

The Middle East and North Africa played critical role in world history and globalization

Important cultural hearth and religious center at the intersection of three continents

Oil plays world role in development of the region

Political conflicts disrupt economic development

Tension between modern ways and fundamentalist traditions impacts tourism in the country and where the population travels

Diverse and often harsh and fragile environment

TOURISM TODAY

REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Created in 1969 Member Countries

5 Islamic countries ruled by Islamic law - Afghanistan, Brunei-Darussalam, Iran, Mauritania, Pakistan

9 monarchies - Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE

41 republics - Albania, Algeria, countries in Africa, Asia, South America

2 other - Palestine and Libya Purpose

A UN for Muslims A separate Universal Declaration of Human Rights Section which focuses on tourism

REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Member Countries Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE

Purpose To formulate similar regulations in various fields such

as economy, finance, trade, customs, tourism, legislation and administration

To foster scientific and technical progress To establish scientific research centers To set up joint ventures To encourage cooperation in the private sector To strengthen ties between the citizens of member

states To establish a common currency, the Khaleeji by 2010 .

. . haven’t yet

TOURISM IN THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA Ancient historical sites and globally

significant religious localities are a large draw

Tourist hotels and condos on the Mediterranean

Tourism is a large part of the regional economy in Turkey, Israel, and Egypt

TOURISM STATISTICS & TRENDS IN THE MIDDLE EAST (Excluding Turkey and Israel)

5.6% of total global international arrivals (small increase from 2011)

Set backs in growth but still the Fastest growing region in worldAverage of 7.3% annual growth 2005-11 in

terms of arrivals Tourism down

41% in Syria, 32% in Egypt, 24% in Lebanon But tourism up

60% in Saudi Arabia - efforts to increase role of tourism in the country’s economy

9% in Dubai specifically (only emirate reporting)

Continued investment in tourism (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia)

MIDDLE EAST AS A SOURCE MARKET

Emerging source marketPeople in the region have money to spend!36 million people traveling internationally8.1% annual growth 2005-11 (highest in world)

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPENDITURES

Highest expendituresTurkey - $23 BillionSaudi Arabia - $8.4 BillionUAE (Dubai) - $ 9.2 Billion

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE (Dubai) account for 57% of tourism expenditures in Middle East (not counting Turkey)

DESTINATIONS

Business tourism in RiyadhShopping and Coastal Tourism in JeddahOver 2 million Muslim pilgrims to Mecca

and Medina annually

SAUDI ARABIA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4nfycGHnK8&feature=related

Hajj tourism packages

THE HAJJ

Crossroads of Europe/Middle East Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire,

Ottoman Empire Archaeological and history sites are

the foundation of tourism in Turkey EU Rejection…(somewhat more economically

stable then many of EU nations) Very Diverse Attractions Istanbul (Constantinople)

Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia Mediterranean Coast (Turquoise Coast) Black Sea Coast is underdevelopment Cappadocia

TURKEY

Continued Violence Israel entry stamp Sacred sites and cities

Pilgrimage destination for Jews, Christians, and Muslims

Perception by Westerners TV media coverage leads most to conclude it is not

a safe place Diverse tourism in Israel

Source and destination for Backpackers- Traditionally long-term, young, middle class on an independently organized budget orientated trip

Kibbutz Cruise Dead Sea and Spa Tourism Jerusalem and Bethlehem

ISRAEL

Over 2 million annual visitors to Israel Relationship with USA major driver of demand VFR and Birthright

Many international connections to Tel Aviv National Carrier El Al US Airways started flights from Philadelphia-Tel Aviv

Large source of outbound tourism 3 million annual outbound tourists Lots of VFR tourists

ISRAEL

Abu Dhabi and Sharjah concentrated on business and conference tourism

Dubai Explosion of mass tourism Heavy investment for development of state-of-art

infrastructure, facilities, and man-made attractions Transportation Hub

Cruise Terminal Emirates airlines and Dubai International Airport

50+ A380s on order/delivered $9 billion investment in new A380 dedicated

terminal Shopping Malls (Mall of Emirates and Dubai Mall) Nightlife (Playground of Middle East) Sport Tourism (golf, racing, tennis, yachting,

marinas) Artificial Islands (Palm Islands and World Islands) Desert Safaris Iconic buildings (Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in

the world and Burj al Arab - the most expensive hotel in the world)

UAE AND DUBAI

DUBAI ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAg4pHDeXjA

And recovery http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apgRUQ-WX3g

EGYPT

Population of 70 million people 20 million in Cairo

Nile River Pyramids Luxor Alexandria Oasis tourism Red Sea Coast (dive and resort tourism) Religious sights (Mt. Sinai) Tourism concerns

Reef destruction Rise of fundamentalism among lower social classes Overloaded infrastructure Pollution and Urban sprawl of Cairo for Pyramids

JORDAN Significant oil resources so money to invest in

infrastructure Two diverse populations

Palestinian refugees and Bedouin Tribes Participate in tourism through camel guiding,

overnight experiences to Bedouin camps King Hussein instrumental in development of tourism

Relatively progressive government Major attractions

Petra (Indiana Jones/Transformers 2 temple) Dead Sea Wadi Rum Roman city of Jerash Pilgrimage sites on Jordan River (where Jesus was

baptized) Beach and Resorts on Red Sea (Aqaba)

Most hotel development in capital Amman and Aqaba

EMERGING DESTINATIONS

Would you take a vacation in Iraq?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11392098