A study of travel behaviour sustainability in Saudi Arabia: Any evidence of sustainable behaviour?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate and model travel behaviour and attitudes for households in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

A household survey was used to collect data on household travel patterns and socio‐economic variables in the city of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The population of Tabuk city is just under 500,000 people, of which approximately 83 per cent are Saudi nationals and 17 per cent non‐Saudi nationals. The average household size is about six persons.

Findings

Although there have been a large number of research investigations into travel behaviour in Western countries, there is a huge lack of studies in this area in some countries, such as Saudi Arabia. The specific characteristics of socio‐economic patterns as well as travel behaviour attitudes in this country make it a very interesting and unique area, which has its own characteristics and patterns, hence the need for the research.

Originality/value

Although there have been a large number of research investigations into travel behaviour in the Western countries, there is a huge lack of studies in this area in some countries such as Saudi Arabia. The specific characteristics of socio‐economic patterns as well as travel behaviour attitudes in this country make it a very interesting and unique area which has its own characteristics and patterns, hence the need for the research.

Citation

Al‐Atawi, A.M. and Saleh, W. (2013), "A study of travel behaviour sustainability in Saudi Arabia: Any evidence of sustainable behaviour?", World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 179-185. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-01-2013-0012