Infrastructure, accessibility, and regional challenges in sustainable tourism: Evidence from Ha'il, Saudi Arabia

This study examines how infrastructure and accessibility quality (IAQ) and regional challenges (RC) influence sustainable tourism development (STD) in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia, a heritage-rich but peripheral region under Vision 2030. Drawing on sustainable tourism and governance frameworks, we test whether IAQ supports sustainability and whether RC constrains it. A cross-sectional survey of 282 tourists conducted in 2024 was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results show IAQ has a strong positive association with STD (β = 0.538, p < 0.001), while RC has a significant negative association (β = -0.424, p < 0.001). The model explains 66.6% of the variance in STD (R² = 0.666), indicating substantial explanatory power. Findings suggest infrastructure is necessary but insufficient; governance and environmental stewardship are essential for long-term viability. Policymakers should align infrastructure investment with integrated governance and participatory planning, with conservation principles guiding development. This study provides empirical evidence for sustainable tourism in arid peripheral regions.