Abstract
The impact of the political crisis on Libyan tourism sector is investigated in this work, primarily using stakeholder’s theory. A comprehensive framework is developed in conjunction with recommendations for resolving the crisis confronting national-level tourism plans, which is then applied to the Libyan case. It is argued that by systematically examining the people involved in the tourism planning as well as the tourism sector in general along with the tourism planning documents against a set of criteria, much can be learned about tourism planning. This dissertation identifies several characteristics that should be included in national-level tourism plans, including involved stakeholders and the inclusion of scenarios and a backup plan.This thesis also determines the factors that constituted an obstacle to tourism development in Libya through the PESTEL model and then focused on a number of those factors. Based on the analysis of these factors, a model is developed that organises the practical elements that could enhance the tourism sector in developing countries. This is considered a pillar of national tourism planning, focusing on local and international stakeholders and their role in the success of the planning, as well as identifying other factors supporting the planning process and then dividing each component. It then points to crucial points drawn from the relevant literature indicating the characteristics of a good plan and, accordingly, the human and financial resources that must be reserved in the plan due to their importance to the success of planning.
The framework is then used to guide the evaluation of the Libyan Tourism Plan, characterising its strengths and limitations. Furthermore, an integrated impact of social, political, and economic factors on the development and implementation of a national tourism plan is established. The analysis concludes with recommendations for improving Libyan tourism planning. This research contributes to tourism planning by proposing a framework that can address tourism plans of the politically troubled nations at the national level, thereby facilitating the identification of problems and issues, allowing for the most efficient learning from mistakes, and providing a framework for conducting comparative studies.
Date of Award | 20 May 2022 |
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Original language | English |
Supervisor | Hanqun Song (Main Supervisor), Adam Dennett (Co-Supervisor) & Andrew Jenkins (Co-Supervisor) |