THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS (ISO-SCUBA) ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF DIVING TOURISM IN AQABA, JORDAN

Abstract

The study aims to identify the impact of applying the international standards and specifications issued by the International Organization for Standardization and Metrology (ISO-Scuba) in enhancing competitive advantages and comparative advantages which improves the quality of diving tourism in the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba coast. An analysis of all the provisions of international standards and specifications for marine diving tourism is utilized to provide a comprehensive picture of the reality of diving tourism in the study area. The results of the study revealed that the application of ISO standards and specifications in marine protected areas in the Gulf of Aqaba can provide a flexible and adaptable system in managing the quality of tourism services provided to tourists. It contributes to providing a framework for applying international standards and specifications to marine protected areas in the study area. This contribution is critical for decision-maker in adopting the holistic planning process for the diving tourism industry in the city of Aqaba, especially in light of expansion a great diving tourism industry witnessed in Aqaba city since the beginning of this century.