معوّقات دور الخدمة الاجتماعية في تفعيل الابتكار السياحي: دراسة حالة لمحافظة ظفار

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the extent to which tourism innovations are practiced in the tourism sector of Dhofar Governorate, as well as to identify the main obstacles facing the practice of social work within this sector. The study adopted a descriptive methodology using a sample survey that included (64) employees working in both the governmental and private tourism sectors in Dhofar. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that the level of tourism innovation practice in Dhofar was moderate, according to the respondents, and did not receive sufficient attention within the tourism field. The most significant obstacles identified were the limited training courses and workshops available for social workers in tourism innovation, the lack of academic knowledge and recognition of the social work profession, in addition to the community’s limited culture and narrow perception of social work. The study also indicated that the most important proposals to activate tourism innovation in Dhofar include providing continuous training programs and workshops for social workers, fostering cooperation between academic institutions and the tourism sector, developing an effective plan for tourism development in Dhofar, and raising the cultural and knowledge levels of the community. Considering these findings, the researcher proposed a conceptual framework for enhancing the role of social work in promoting tourism innovation, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable tourism development in Dhofar Governorate.