The Effect of Agritourism on Developing Rural Communities: Evidences from Saudi Arabia and Egypt

This study aims to assess the link between agritourism and job creation, handicraft sales, living standard, and governmental support. The study also aims to explore the mediating role of governmental support in the link between agritourism and job creation, handicraft sales, and living standards. To meet the aim of the study, a survey was constructed to collect data from agritourism workers in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Four hundred eighty-three questionnaires were issued, but only 313 were analyzed. The results indicated that agritourism was significantly and positively linked with job creation, handicraft sales, living standards, and governmental support. The results also revealed that governmental support significantly and positively correlates with job creation, handicraft sales, and living standards. Moreover, the results concluded that governmental support plays a partial mediating role in the link between agritourism and job creation, handicraft sales, and living standard. Theoretical implications for developing agritourism studies, as well as practical implications, are provided for owners, consultants, and policymakers of small-scale tourism businesses in rural areas.