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Drivers and Barriers towards Circular Economy in Rural Tourism Destinations: A Case Study of Tunis Village, Egypt

Author

Listed:
  • Thaib Alharethi

    (Faculty of Tourism, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ayman Abdelhakim

    (Tourism and Hospitality Management Department, College of Tourism and Hospitality, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ahmad Mohammed

    (Department of Archaeology, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK)

Abstract

This study explores the drivers and barriers of the Circular Economy (CE) in Tunis Village, a rural tourism destination, as a case study of emerging economics. We adopted an exploratory case study methodology. Telephone interviews (n = 10) with stakeholders were conducted, and a survey of employees (n = 123) was distributed. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed, and quantitative data were descriptively presented. The results show that improving relationships with the local community, gaining financial benefits, and improving relationships with suppliers were the top perceived drivers. The top perceived barriers are poor economic development, which makes the implementation of large-scale sustainability difficult; a lack of technology and advanced technologies; and the absence of effective and integrated waste management and recycling systems. Considering the exploratory nature and design of this study, the results cannot be generalized. However, the results can help plan future research on a larger scale in developing economies. Furthermore, the findings can inform policymakers on how to better apply CE practices in rural tourism destinations. The topic of CE has been under-researched in connection with developed countries, and this study is the first to examine CE in rural tourism destinations in emerging countries. This underlines the specific drivers and barriers related to CE as a sustainable development practice. Additionally, it contributes to the academic debate on this notion.

Suggested Citation

  • Thaib Alharethi & Ayman Abdelhakim & Ahmad Mohammed, 2024. "Drivers and Barriers towards Circular Economy in Rural Tourism Destinations: A Case Study of Tunis Village, Egypt," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:5:y:2024:i:3:p:38-656:d:1437457
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mohamed Ramadan A. Rezk & Tarek Y. S. Kapiel & Leonardo Piccinetti & Nahed Salem & Anas Khasawneh & Donatella Santoro & Fabio Maria Montagnino & Alaa A. El-Bary & Mahmoud M. Sakr & Mahmoud M. Sakr, 2023. "Circular economy in Egypt: an overview of the current landscape and potential for growth," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 5(3), pages 45-57, September.
    2. Kannan Govindan & Mia Hasanagic, 2018. "A systematic review on drivers, barriers, and practices towards circular economy: a supply chain perspective," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(1-2), pages 278-311, January.
    3. Jovan Tan & Fabien Jianwei Tan & Seeram Ramakrishna, 2022. "Transitioning to a Circular Economy: A Systematic Review of Its Drivers and Barriers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-13, February.
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