Edu-Tourism, a relatively underexplored facet within the tourism domain, holds significant potential for catalyzing the evolution of the tourism sector. This research endeavors to evaluate the viability of edu-tourism as a catalyst for the advancement and enrichment of destinations, particularly in the Middle East. To achieve this, tour operators in Doha, Qatar, and Dubai, UAE, were engaged in this study, focusing on their active participation in tour operations. The research employed survey questionnaires as the primary data collection tool, employing a hybrid methodology approach.
The findings underscore the substantial influence of edu-tourism on sustainability and developmental initiatives, particularly in the realms of culture and environmental concerns. Tour operators, as key stakeholders, possess a notable capacity to promote and facilitate edu-tourism within the broader tourism landscape. Nevertheless, further research is warranted to gain deeper insights into the roles played by tour operators and other industry stakeholders in this context.