ABSTRACT
MENA is a water scarce region and with the forthcoming climate changes it will become drier. Water scarcity is not solely an outcome of poor supply, it is largely shaped by socio-economic factors and is related to politics and decision-making processes in the region. The most important factor affecting MENA’s present and future societies and economies is its high population growth. Tourism is a relative newcomer to the region but it is becoming increasingly important. The tourism industry makes very modest demands for water resources for its functioning but its contribution to the economies of MENA countries is relatively high in terms of its share in GDP, employment and foreign currency. Tourism is a sustainable economic option for water use in MENA.
