The Impacts of Neoliberal Tourism Development in the Arab World with Specific Reference to Morocco and Jordan

Abstract

Abstract Morocco and Jordan are among those destinations in the Arab world where the complex structures and processes of a neoliberal tourism policy can be examined quasi archetypically: to the extent that the policy largely considers the market as being the ultimate determinant for the exchange of tangible and intangible goods. Based on two case studies – the so-called Master Plan of Marrakesh (Morocco) and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (Jordan) – this paper examines the conflicted effects of neoliberal penetration into tourism policy on these two destinations as well as on key stakeholders. Given the unilateral instrumentalization of individual freedom in terms of productivity, growth, and progress; it is evident that a neoliberal tourism policy does not justly serve those directly involved or the local communities, but instead, furthers the interests of Western industrialized nations.