Assessment and Modeling of Spatial Suitability for Tourism Investment in the Aseer Region Using Geographic Information Systems and Multi-Criteria Analysis (GIS-MCDA)

This study aimed to assess and model the spatial suitability for tourism investment in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), with the aim of identifying spatially suitable areas and supporting tourism planning and spatial decision-making. The study adopted an integrated analytical framework combining a set of natural, human, and economic criteria, together with natural and cultural tourism resources and accessibility. These criteria were processed and reclassified, and their relative weights were determined using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). They were then spatially integrated using the Weighted Overlay method within a GIS environment to produce an overall spatial suitability map for tourism investment. The results revealed clear spatial variations in suitability levels across the Aseer Region. Highly suitable areas covered 3,234.5 km² (3.9%) of the total regional area of 82,939.5 km² and were concentrated mainly in the western and southwestern sectors. Moderately suitable areas covered 11,179.0 km² (13.5%), while areas of low suitability accounted for 37,108.3 km² (44.7%) and very low suitability covered 31,417.7 km² (37.9%). Together, low- and very-low-suitability areas accounted for 68,526.0 km² (82.6%) of the total regional area. These findings indicate that the GIS-MCDA model can integrate diverse spatial criteria and reveal geographical variations in suitability levels, thereby providing a spatial basis for directing detailed assessments and feasibility studies toward areas with higher suitability, while considering the specific environmental, technical, and economic conditions. The study highlights the importance of integrating GIS and MCDA in supporting spatial planning for tourism investment and providing an analytical basis for identifying suitable areas and efficiently managing tourism resources. The framework can contribute to tourism planning in the region in alignment with the directions of tourism-sector development in Saudi Arabia and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.