Spatial and Behavioral Analysis of Resort Locations: A Case Study in Qatar

Strategies for tourism planning gain a new perspective that uses spatial and behavioural parameters in analyzing and selecting suitable locations for resort development. This perspective uses natural resources and potentials and focuses on sustainable ecotourism development. The main objective of the present research is to evaluate the parameters used in locating existing tourism resort sites in the state of Qatar and to enhance these parameters for future site elections and tourism regulations that take into consideration the demands of natural and cultural ecotourism. Satellite images and physiographic maps of Qatar were collected and analyzed. Data on tourists’ perceptions and preferences with respect to selected tourism sites were collected by means of questionnaire interviews. The findings demonstrate the importance of tourists’ concerns in the planning process for tourism sites and show a low level of awareness of and interest in ecotourism among residents as well as among local and regional tourists in Qatar. The study identifies the factors that affect tourists’ perceptions and preferences in choosing recreational sites. It also clearly shows variations in perceptions and preferences related to variations in the demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds of tourists. Key words: spatial, behavioural, ecotourism, perceptions and preferences, design