Literary Tourism in Saudi Arabia (Poetic Tourism in Najd)

This research aims to identify the potential of literary/poetic tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - specifically Najd region, due to its richness with poetic heritage. The study also sought to define this type of tourism, and explain its connection to poetry, and the importance of place to the poet. It also attempts to reveal the importance of literary/poetic tourism, by associating Arabic heritage poetry to certain locations that deserves to be recognized as a tourist attraction, and be prepared to become a tourist attraction equipped with the best facilities to attract tourists of all kinds. In addition to the psychological effect these places has on the visitors and the role of poetry in the country’s cultural renaissance. Our main motivation for this study is to prove that the Arabian peninsula has a historical and unique literary/poetic treasure, as poetry is one of the most important subjects that must be introduced to tourism to maintain its sustainability and celebrate the poetic heritage. One of the most important goals sought by this research is to pin out these places and encourage the Kingdom to care and preserve them. Such initiative will open up great economic and cultural resources, in accordance with the Vision 2030, and the Ministry of Culture in its initiative of making 2023 the Year of Arabic Poetry.