Towards a Conceptual Model for the Sustainable Use of Tourism Resources: An Application on Egyptian Tourism Resources

摘要

During the last few decades, the tourism resources have been exposed to a cycle of degradation. The over utilization of those unique resources associated with exploitation of them at levels that are, usually, beyond their optimum carrying capacity, and the qualitative and quantitative reduction in the environmental equilibrium are all linked in the cycle of degradation, together with the incompatibility of developmental activities within fragile ecosystems. Recently, the concept of the sustainable use of resources has received considerable recognition due to its contribution in conserving the base of fragile ecosystems, maintaining the precious tourism resources and breaking the cycle of natural degradation. This is achieved by providing support for tourist resources management approaches and activities, considering the specific social and cultural characteristics, utilizing the existing physical structure and encouraging the maximum participation of local population. Consequently, this study aims to formulate a conceptual model that predicts the effects of the aforementioned factors (as independent variables) on the sustainable use of tourism resources (as a multi- dimensional dependent variable). The study was performed in the most frequently visited tourist sites in Egypt. The data was collected by personal interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire from 100 of tourist experts; a random proportionate Stratified Sample was used to determine the respondents. The questionnaire was coded and data were statistically analyzed applying the multiple linear regression models, also alpha Chronbach coefficient was used to assess the reliability.