Aligning with Vision 2030: Eco-Tourism Governance and Strategic Shifts in Nuweiba, South Sinai governate, Egypt

In alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and in response to the global imperative for sustainable tourism, this study critically examines the strategic shift in South Sinai from conventional 4- and 5-star hotel developments toward the promotion of eco-lodges as a more resilient, inclusive, and environmentally adaptive tourism model. Focusing on Nuweiba as a case study, the research aims to assess whether eco-tourism accommodations outperform traditional resorts in terms of spatial efficiency, environmental sustainability, economic performance, and community engagement. The study is guided by three primary research questions: (1) What are the spatial and operational characteristics of eco-tourism facilities compared to traditional hotels in Nuweiba? (2) How do eco-tourism accommodations perform economically relative to conventional hotels? (3) To what extent do eco-tourism models contribute to environmental conservation and local development? Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates qualitative fieldwork (semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders), spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), institutional policy review, and statistical testing. The central hypothesis posits that eco-lodges offer superior outcomes in user satisfaction and sustainability without significant cost disadvantages. The findings confirm that eco-lodges and camps achieve significantly higher guest satisfaction (p = 0.0047), demonstrate stronger alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDGs 8, 11, 12, and 15), and operate with enhanced environmental integration and economic resilience. Conversely, large-scale hotel infrastructure in Nuweiba is frequently underutilized, reflecting a mismatch with local market conditions and ecological constraints.