The Impact of Security Obstacles on Tourism in Yemen from 1990 to 2023

Abstract

The research aims to clarify the impact of security obstacles on tourism in Yemen from 1990 to 2023. To this end, the historical descriptive and analytical method was utilized.

The study divided the security impacts on tourism in Yemen into two stages in which the security factors and causes that hindered the development and progress of tourism are similar:

The stage from (1990 - 2014), the security imbalances occurred during this stage was characterized by the kidnapping of tourists and foreign workers, as well as bombings and other acts of terrorism targeting tourists. These incidents had direct consequences including a decline in the number of tourists visiting Yemen, which subsequently led to a decrease in tourism revenues that provided the country with foreign currency.

The research concluded that the instability and insecurity at this stage are due to the security imbalances that followed the “Yemeni Unity” as a result of political conflicts between the poles of power, the state’s weakness in carrying out its security duty, and its failure to distribute service projects. As well as the impact of external interventions that aimed to destabilize the security and stability of the country, in addition, some tribes use destabilization as a means of pressure on the state to achieve its demands by building projects in their areas or releasing prisoners belonging to those tribes.

The stage from 2015 to 2023, this period witnessed a complete deterioration and cessation of the tourism sector in all its aspects due to the aggression and blockade imposed on Yemen. Not only a halt in the tourism sector, but also the destruction of numerous archaeological, touristic, and historical sites and facilities