Search published articles


Showing 29 results for Tourism

Seyyed Hassan Motiee Langeroudi, Zahra Heydari,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (12-2012)
Abstract

Rural areas taking into consideration their eco-tourism and natural attractions are among the target of tourism activity. With the consideration of low income level of rural communities, tourism is an appropriate alternative regarding job opportunities and promotion of rural financial capabilities. The major objective of this study is to investigate the potential of coastal rural areas of Tonkabon with respect to fishing activity as far as job opportunities and income earning capabilities is concerned. Research method of this study is based on survey technique and questionnaire. This paper carries descriptive as well as analytical approach. Sample size of 100 were extracted. Data were analyzed via SPSS, regression correlation and T and Freedman tests .This paper suggests that the study area possesses high potentials regarding fishing activities. That is, tourists are more interested in fishing activities if the corresponding infrastructures, suitable accommodations were available in advance.

Mohamadreza Rezvani, Mehrnoush Moradi,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (3-2013)
Abstract

Strategic tourism planning is being considered as a way of rural development. It further is a response to Globalization and rural reconstruction. Tourism development requiers systematic comperhensive approach. Rural settlements located in margin of desert area of Mighan, despite of their varied tourism potentials, are very deprived and distressed. The major objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of tourism development and is relevant the system. Sample is composed of tourists, residents, and local managers. Random sampling technique was applied in order to come up with 274, 150, and 30 respectively. This is followed by application of desriptive and inferal statistics including T students. This study suggests that due to a lack of knowledge of tourists as well as tourism marketing, tourism demand regarding, tourism attractiont the study area is very negligble. It further suggests that tourism constituent’s elementsincluding tourism constituents elements including tourism attractions, transportation, infrastructure, and tourism sales and participation are at medium level. However, knowledge level regarding tourism was fairly poor. It is argued that internal tourism potentials as well as external tourism opportunities of the study area are oppropriate. Via appropriate and consolidated tourism planning including marketing, promotion and improvement of tourism infrastructures and superstructures, we could exploit all of the internal strengths as well as external opportunities regarding tourism development.

Teymour Amar,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (6-2013)
Abstract

Tourism is being considered as a very influential factor. It proves an undeniable role regarding development of the region. This in turn implies some consequences including changes in architecture style, misallocation of different land uses, destruction of agricultural lands and the ignorance of rooted and classic rural activities. The research method of this study is based on analytical-descriptive method .It further supports the application of documentary as well as interviews with local experts in Daylaman eco tourism area. This area experiences drastic physical changes during past decades. This study aims to prove the impact of capitalist thoughts on physical elements with different identity, and its resultant decrease in unified locational characters. This study suggests that on average, 230 tourists arrive in the region daily .However, in spite of 31% decrease in rural population during 1375-1385, there exists great demand, and 25 % increase, with regard to construction activities. Moreover, even though Daylam as an administrative and political center and its corresponding villages possess physical plans, but the speed of changes in geographical landscapes are such that the organization and management of virgin and suitable spaces are being relatively ignored. The continuation of this situation could lead to monopolization of geographic spaces, destruction of resources, and divergence from the objective of Daylaman’s sustainable development plans.

Seyyed Hassan Moteei-Langroudi, Maryam Rezaeyeh-Azadi,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (9-2013)
Abstract

Economic outcomes and consequences are among one of the most prominent reasons for tourism planners. Tourism is being considered as major motive as long as the economic development is concerned. Taking into account peasant’s economic status as well as downward trend in agricultural activity and high rate of rural migration, there exists a need regarding an economic alternative complementary with agriculture. This in turn leads to rural sustainable development as well as sustainable livelihood. This is associated with improvement in quality of life and rural satisfaction. Band resort, a tourism destination located in vicinity of Oromee-e taking into consideration its prime location and eco-tourism potentials and its closeness to Oromee-e is capable of attracting many tourists. However, not all of the potentials and capabilities of this resort have been uncovered toward sustainable tourism economy. This study aims to investigate the economic impacts from host community’s point of view. It is based on descriptive and analytical method. Sample size happens to be 300 households extracted out of Band village. Data analysis requires application of non-parametric χ2 and T test. This paper shows that tourism has led to economic impacts including creation of job opportunities, revenue for the peasants. However, increase in land price is among its negative economic
outcome.
Kumars Zar-Afshani, Lida Sharafi, Shahpar Garavandi, Parastoo Ghobadi,
Volume 2, Issue 5 (12-2013)
Abstract

It is being argued that rural tourism is considered as a prominent activity with respect to rural development. This industry is known as invisible export by economists. Tourism as a broad activity is associated with some major economic, social and environmental. It further argues that tourism planning demands identification of these impacts as far as the host community is concerned. This in turn accentuates sustainable tourism development. This study aims to investigate the impact of tourism upon Rijab resort of Kermanshah as a host community. Sample siege amounted to be 270. As such 200 questionnaires were gathered using random sampling technique. Principle component results indicate the tourism development bears four major consequences including income generation, environmental problems, cultural development, and reduction of social capital. The result of this study provides some recommendation for tourism bodies. These related organizations could strengthen positive impacts and mitigate negative consequences.

Mohammad-Reza Maleki, Mohsen Sartipi-Pour, Mansooreh Tahbaz, Ali Maleki,
Volume 2, Issue 6 (3-2014)
Abstract

Iran taking into account its broad and varied potentials is being considered as one of the major tourism focal point. It is argued that, natural attractions,
virgin landscapes, hospitable climate, all paved the ground for eco-tourism in Darrehshahr located in Ilam province taking into consideration its geographic location and possessing of ample eco-tourism potentials. However, due to many reasons, these opportunities have not been appropriately utilized. This study aims to propose some measures for an appropriate tourism management in Darrehshahr. It furtherer plan to identify, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in specific eco-tourism region. This study deals with strategic participatory planning using SWOT model. In order to prioritize principle strategy, complementary applied quantitative planning was used. This study suggests that despite of all of the tourism potentials, lack of tourism accommodations led to tourists, un-satisfaction. This in turn demands the proposition of some measures including the generation of the relevant infra structures for tourists.

Sadegh Hadizadeh Zargar, Behrang Sakhaee,
Volume 3, Issue 8 (8-2014)
Abstract

The increasing rate of unemployment and young age bracket migration from relatively rural settlement are being considered as one of the most prominent threats in rural communities during past decades. It is argued that tourism provides high potential settling in this regard. It is capable of generating job opportunities and counter stream migration. Taking into consideration the existing potentials and purposed investment, regarding rural tourism could help rural development. The major objective of this paper is to determine the most appropriate option available to rural tourism taking into account their capabilities as well as threats associated with northern Roodpay in Sari. The research method based on objectives has applied nature and methodologically speaking is descriptive – analytical. It is followed by application of SWOT as well as T2 FS-AHP. This study suggests that eco-tourism is known as a good alternative regarding tourism in northern Roodpay. It is further followed by cultural tourism, sport tourism and agricultural tourism respectively.

Ali Ghasemi, Varaz Moradi Masihi,
Volume 3, Issue 8 (8-2014)
Abstract

Rural tourism and tourism economy are being considered as one of the major economic development indicators. Moreover, most of the planners and policy makers believe that tourism industry is the major element of sustainable development. As such, rural tourism through appropriate planning and identification of advantages and limitations could perform effective role regarding rural development as well as national development. The major objective of this study is to identify potentials and capabilities regarding sustainable tourism Alltapeh village located in Behshar in Mazandarn province. This village encompasses Abasabad tourism area which is among one of the recorded safaveeye’s tourism attractions. This study aims to explain the role of tourism regarding economic – social sustainable development in the study area. Research method is based on analytical – descriptive. Data gathering demands application of field work and documentation. Data analysis is based on SWOT matrix emphasizing weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities as well as proposing suggested strategies in order to achieve sustainable rural tourism. Statistical society composed of 1900 rural settlers located in the study area as well as tourists (500000 per year). Sample size was determined to be 218 which constitute of 78 of local community and 140 tourists. This study suggests that rural ecological vulnerability taking into account Abasabad tourist area is relatively high. This paper further believes that rural tourism requires more attention regarding tackling threats and limitations and relative comparative advantages as far as an appropriate policy making is concerned. It further concludes that tourism planning could lead to local economic variations and thriving organized economic activities and more importantly sustainable rural tourism.

Mahmoud Ziaee, Mojtaba Javdan, Simin Kazemi,
Volume 3, Issue 9 (11-2014)
Abstract

 Introduction:
Current trend regarding tourism spatial development both at macro and micro regional level, following the county spatial development structure is relatively chaotic. There exist an imbalance with respect to access to different opportunities as well as resources and benefits. The consequences of this disorder is exemplified itself in low performance of peripheral tourism destinations as opposed to tourism poles. This in turn, will lead to concentration of growth in prominent tourism destinations and lagging behind peripheral ones. These gaps and spatial discrepancies associated with passing problems and challenges from undeveloped spaces into well-developed tourism destinations. Effective utilization of tourism capabilities as well as attaining an appropriate spatial arrangement of tourism destinations, relationships and linkages, having control over growth and development, and achieving sustainable tourism, all demand tourism spatial planning. This not only paves the way for satisfying tourists varied needs in accordance with tourism capabilities at national and regional levels, but also would be very beneficial for host communities as well, taking into consideration the tourism development driving forces. This spatial balance could an affect image formation of destination one could illustrate and cluster different sectors of particular destination via spatial arrangement including nodes, axes and areas. The comprehensive analysis of these spatial arrangements and clustering could lead to location identity and providing a transparent image for destinations. This study predominantly aims to focus on spatial arrangement with emphasis on optimization of the organizational arrangement as well as associated activities and corresponding linkages. The study area that is Torgabeh Shandiz in Khorasan Razavi experiencing spatial disorders and imbalances regarding tourism resource distributions, attractions, products, supportive and logistics services. This study further tries to find the missing links and existing gaps regarding spatial organization of the current tourism destinations stating and propose balanced and
integrated pattern at regional level in order to achieve sustainable tourism development in the study area.
Methodology:
Taking into consideration the objective of this study, analytical-descriptive research method were applied. This is followed by documentation as well as field works. The statistical society includes 34 potential and active tourism destinations (2 towns and 32 villages) in Torgabeh Shandiz. Based on relevant literatures three components – “destination potentials”, “destination functions”, and “destination accessibilities” and 8 indexes including “the quality of tourism assets” the quantity of tourism assets, “tourism functions regarding provision of services”, “public services functions”, “accessibilities”, “quality of accessibilities” spatial dimensions “physical situation” were identified. This is followed by application of AHP for determining the magnitude of each yardstick. Final scoring and ranking destinations further demand PROMETHEE technique as well as clustering analysis. It finally supported by fracture point theory through application of GIS.
Conclusion:
This study suggests the existence of four unorganized levels systems in spatial organization of the city. This means, there exist two prime destinations that is Torgabeh and Shandiz. In order to alleviate this case, the application of strategic principles of spatial organization is recommended. This could be done through comparison of the current situation with abstract one and further to modify it in accordance with regional characteristics. The proposed spatial organization of Torgabeh-Shandiz could be help full regarding investments in social-economic infrastructures and provision of complementary – rational and justice relations among different destinations. The proposed spatial organization is based on four hierarchical levels in which the first level corresponds with tourism poles (Torgabeh and Shandiz). The second level is associated with tourism growth centers (Virani, Kang & Azghad). The third level includes (Mayan Vosta, Dehno, Sar asiab, Kelate ahan, Kelate ebrahimkhan & Khanrood). The base ofthis proposed system is comprised 18 sate lite destinations.

Mojtaba Ghadiri Masoum, Mohamadreza Rezvani, Mahmoud Jomepour, Hamidreza Baghiani,
Volume 4, Issue 12 (9-2015)
Abstract

Introduction
Poverty is one of the greatest challenges confronting humanity. It is said that poverty is almost related to natural resources, while it is also because of some other factors like natural and human capitals. Villagers are considered among the poorest and most vulnerable within human societies, especially in the countries of the third world. If the purpose of development is obviously that of poverty alleviation and eradication through employment generation for the rural and urban poor, supplying the minimum of basic requirements acceptable to everyone, increase of productivity, causing more balance between geographic areas and socio-economic classes, decentralization and people involvement in the process of decision-making, having emphasis on collective and national self-confidence, finding balance and the recovery of living conditions, then we can consider the rural communities as one of the most significant factors causing the above objectives come true. So, rural development plays a vital role in achieving the overall objectives of development at the national level. Approaches and paradigms are always provided by scientists and theorists to assist us achieving the above objectives. In 1980s, sustainable livelihoods (LS) and sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA) was proposed to be used a new approach in poverty eradication. The main emphasis of this approach was based on a comprehensive and integrated thought for poverty eradication and rural development. In a short time, this approach could attract the attention of many researches. Since, livelihood capitals is an important aspect of sustainable livelihoods approach and because of the important role of these assets in the livelihood of families, especially rural ones whose condition is influenced by tourism activities, in this research we decided to investigate the impact of tourism activities on livelihood capitals in mountain tourism villages of Bala-Taloqan in Taloqan County so we can find out the answer to the question that which villages are better in the case of this kind of capitals.
Methodology
As a city of Alborz Province, Taloqan County is located at a distance of 90 km from the center of the province and within the northwest of it. In 2012, the city had 2 parts of central and Bala-Taloqan. It was also consisted of 8212 households and a population of 23765. Bala-Taloqan as the study case of this research consists of two rural districts: Kenar-rood and Joestan (central district) with 48 residential villages. In this paper, we have selected 10 mountain villages which have been affected by tourism. The purpose of this study is to investigate the issue of prioritization of capitals resulting from tourism activities in mountain tourism villages of the district of top Talogan, among inhabited households using analytical- descriptive method with an emphasis on library work, field studies and completing the questionnaires. Meanwhile, hierarchical Filler Triangle was used as a model to weighting each indicator along with Oreste method for ranking and prioritization of the mountain tourism villages in terms of investigating the condition of tourism assets and capitals.
Discussion and Conclusion
Considering livelihood capitals, Galird has the best and the village of Manglan has the worst condition. Galirad village, according to its proper position relative to the connecting roads and its distinctive tourist attractions, i.e. the old house of Ayatollah Taleqani, enjoys a certain reputation that has caused more tourists go there. Moreover, Guidance plan has been already implemented in the village that is important in the improvement of connecting roads quality and making easy-access roads. After Galird, Karkbud village is located in the second place. Its famous waterfall is the most important attraction of the village which has given it a national reputation. Although, it has located at an altitude of 2200 meters and it is difficult to access it, the attractive waterfall has compensated for this limitation and attracted tourists. Additionally, the village is very rich in terms of natural capital, but tourism has not developed enough and has failed to make the promotion of other capitals. The results of interviews conducted with residents indicate that they are dissatisfied with tourists there and think of them as a contributing factor to environmental degradation and the rise of social abnormalities. Joestan has also dedicated to the third place of this ranking. Vicinity to Shahrood River and the presence of tomb shrine of Haron the son of Muses, are the most important attractions of this village. Although it is the center of Top Talogan district, it has failed to accomplish its central role. So, many people have left the village over time as even the tomb shrine as a strong religious attraction with lodging facilities has not been able to properly accomplish its role of attracting tourists. For this reason, it is only social capitals, and partially, financial capitals, which have perfect situations here. Other villages have similar status and in spite of having human and natural attractions they have not been successful enough in collecting capitals. Of course, it must be mentioned that in this district tourism is mostly found in the form of Daily tourism and second home tourism by a more percentage of Daily tourists than the second-home ones. Because in the mountain villages studied, due to the lack of access to adequate lands with sufficient slopes in order to construct housing units, there have always been lots of limitations for constructing second houses for the non-native. Additionally, in some villages such as Karkbood, native people refuse to sell lands to the non-native and this could affect the status of financial capital of the village.

Asghar Nazareian, Kaveh Zalnejad, Reza Mirzanejad,
Volume 4, Issue 13 (11-2015)
Abstract

Introduction
In the last half-century, tourism has been considered as one of the most efficient factors in socioeconomic reconstruction and development of rural districts and non-urban areas. Tourism can be nominated as driver of peace, because it underlies friendship and mutual understanding between nations and brings peace without polluting the human environmental interactions unlike other productive industries. Today, tourism is a promising activity which is reminded as development pathway. In recent years, tourism as a new form of industry has had many effects on economic, social and cultural status of the world. Job creation, regional balance, helping to global peace, helping to investment on cultural heritages, improvement in the environment conditions, helping to improve wild life, development of rural districts which are endowed with tourism attractions and preventing migrations and etc. are some advantages of this industry. Iran is a country which has many different tourism attractions. Our country is among top ten in terms of tourism attractions; it is among top five countries in terms of tourism variations and among top three countries in terms of variations in handicrafts. According to tourism ranking in South Asia, tourism is dominated by Iran after India. It can be said that Serein County is the most attractive county in some seasons in Ardebil province. It can be said that Serein County is the most attractive county in some seasons in Ardebil province.
Methodology 
Regarding its aim, this study is a practical one and regarding its methodology, it is a descriptive-analytic one. Data collection has been done by literature review, field study and using questionnaires. To analysis data, we have used a statistical test, T-Test which is considered as a parametric test. This test uses data with interval scale and ratio scale regarding the parametric test. The design of the questions can be changed to numerical indicators, so numerical equivalence is used in the form of Likert scale, describing the situations as very low to very high. The populations (or elements) are considered as the people with mutual characteristics including Hostess population of Serein and experts in the region. For sampling, Cochran Formula is used. For residential households which are 600 people, considering reliability level of 95%, and 6% possibility of acceptable error of estimation in sample size according to conducted surveys, these samples are 260 people and the population of experts regarding reliability level of 95% and 6% possibility of acceptable error of estimation is 56 people. Since organizational experts were unavailable in this region, the total number of people for distributing the questionnaires was 33 ones, so all of them were considered in questionnaires distribution.
Discussion and Conclusion
Even though our country is potential in tourism, it is taking the first steps and comparing other countries, the country still fails to find an outstanding position for itself in the world. The results show that by cooperation of private section, necessary infrastructures in tourism section have been developed partly and some standard hotels and accommodations have been constructed. On the other hand, visiting hot springs is possible in every season because of its conditions. So, we can consider it as a yearly active industry. Iran has many hot and mineral springs which have healing characteristics for many diseases and building hospitals with expert staffs and specialist doctors can create a good situation for medical tourism in the world. Springs in Iran, especially hot spring in Serein, are not introduced to the world and this causes that hydrotherapy be generally an attraction just for domestic tourists. Job creation and foreign exchange created by hot spring are some advantages that undoubtedly can be used for healing diseases and attracting domestic and international tourists by suitable and extensive announcements and also investment and cooperation of private section in development of accommodations and welfare centers. Documents and records of municipality for issuing building permits from 2003 to 2010 showed that in this period of time the number of issuing building permits increased which explains the constructions expansion and spatial-physical expansion during these years. The meaningful relation between spatial-physical changes in Serein during the exploitation of hydrotherapy treatment springs creates a meaningful relation between vertical expansion of Serein and tourism infrastructures and the conclusion of questionnaires about changing Ardebil to be the capital city of the province which were distributed among householders, experts and managers and its impact on Serein spatial-physical development and development of Serein because of its mineral springs and natural characteristics. So, the following strategies are notable about Serein:
- Presenting a comprehensive plan for tourism development in accordance with rural and small town development;
- Controlling irregular constructions of accommodations;
- Good planning for `physical-spatial development and presenting strategies in suitable directions in Serein;
- Avoiding unauthorized constructions on the farms around the city.

Hamed Ghadermarzi, Davood Jomeyni, Alireza Jamshidi,
Volume 4, Issue 14 (2-2016)
Abstract

Introduction
Tourism can be a tool for rural development; because it can be considered as a new financial resource, it can improve the economic status of local people and it can be considered as a resource that removes poverty and creates more jobs. Tourism and rural development are also two interrelated factors which have positive impacts on each other when tourism development or rural development take place. As a region that is one of the top fifty tourist attractions in Kermanshah Province, Ghoori-Ghale village is one of the most important destinations of tourists to the west of the country; annually, this region receives thousands of tourists from other parts of the country and from neighboring countries especially Iraqi tourists. Studies show that the number of tourists in this village increased considerably during the past years; so that the number of visitors has increased from 116000 people in 1381 to 418000 people in 1386 and more than 500000 people in 1391. More than natural attractions of the village and cultural values in Ghoori-Ghale, the most important tourist attraction in Ravansar County is Ghoori-Ghale Cave as a natural phenomenon and it is the second tourist attraction of the Oramanat region. Construction of more than 30 shops and stores and full-time employment of more than 30 individuals around the cave, is just one of the advantages of Ghoori-Ghale Cave for inhabitants of Ghoori-Ghale village. Base on this, some questions are raised including that "which indicators of rural development have been mostly effected by tourists' arrivals?", "at what level are the impacts of tourism on rural development of Ghoori-Ghale?" and "how many factors are defined as the impacts of tourism in rural development of Ghoori-Ghale village and what are the important ones?"
Methodology:
This study is practical one which used analytical-descriptive researches method. For data collection documentary method and field study are used. The study population includes all heads of householder in Ghoori-Ghale village (240 people). Because of limitation of population and their availability, the sample study was chosen by complete enumeration method. The basic research tool was self-constructed questionnaire in which, after necessary modification, its validity was confirmed by university professors and other tourism experts. To examine the reliability of the constructed questionnaire, a guide study was performed out of the studied region with 30 questionnaires. Cronbach's Alfa Coefficient was obtained by using SPSS, version 0.861 and it showed the high level of reliability in using of research tool. The five-point Likert scale has been the indicators' scale for this case (very little: point 1, little: point 2, average: point 3, great: point 4, very great: point 5) and for statistical analysis descriptive statistics (average, standard deviation and coefficient of variables) and one sample T-test have been used and also for recognizing the impacts of tourists' arrivals on inhabitants of Ghoori Ghale, regarding some limited and important factors, factor analysis technique has been applied.
Discussion and Conclusion:
Because of profitability and high level of job creation for host communities, today, rural tourism can be considered as one of the most important tools for developing and following that for sustainable development of rural inhabitants especially in regions with high potential in attracting tourist. This study findings showed that most of rural inhabitants in the studied area are completely satisfied with tourists' arrival and they are ready to attract more tourists. Moreover, the results showed that tourists' arrival to Ghoori Ghale village mostly have impact on many indicators including development of employment, increase of inhabitants' income, diversity of economic activities, constructing or developing local markets, infrastructure development, increase of land value and housing, increase of purchase power and improvement of living status, decrease of rural immigration and return of immigrants to the village, increase of the constructions and diversification of domestic products. The results of studying the overall level of the impacts of tourism showed that most respondents believe that tourism has considerable impacts (average of 3.4) on development of Ghoori Ghale village. The results showed that the impacts of tourism on inhabitants of Ghori Ghale village are summarized in six main factors which on the whole, determined 82.6% of total variance of impacts of tourism regarding the target village. The recognized factors in order of their importance are as follow: economic factor, infrastructurephysical factor, social-cultural factor, health-environmental factor, involvement factor and safety factor. Regarding the high potentiality of Ghoori Ghale village and other neighboring villages, by proper management and villagers' participation, it is possible to create a tourism hub in the region in which Ghoori Ghale village is the central part and consequently, this matter can be a good prospective for development of neighboring villages to Ghoori Ghale.

Mohammad Hassan Zal, Nazanin Tabrizi, Mortza Mehr-Ali Tabar,
Volume 5, Issue 15 (5-2016)
Abstract

Introduction
Tourism industry cannot be only considered as a way of recreation and escaping from daily routines. Of course, by use of strategic planning and principles of sustainable development in tourism, we can develop the economy of countries. So far, tourism industry has been gradually developed in all parts of human society. Moreover, its connection with society and different aspects of human culture aroused the emergence of different trends. Tourism industry is one of these trends. Tourism is one of the oldest and most booming industries all over the world. Since tourism expenditure plays a decisive role in tourism economy, religious tourism can cause significant changes in the economic conditions of local communities. It is notable that tourism industry has the two core elements of supply and demand. Following this approach in tourism industry indicates its remarkable effect in the economy tourist destinations and, consequently, local communities. So, it can reveal the importance of studies on types of tourism including religious tourism to assess its economic impacts on the development of rural communities.
Tourism industry is one of the most effective approaches which is influencing in the reconstruction and development of rural areas and has been considered by planners and managers since previous decades. Oji Abad is a village in Amol County, Mazandaran Province. The presence of Astane Hazrat Abolfazl (AS) in the center of the village and its being close to sacred edifice, has made a booming religious complex there. Considering its potential capacities, the basic question is that what are some impacts of the presence of pilgrims, especially religious tourism, on the development of Oji Abad? And in which aspect these effects are more notable?
Methodology
This is an applied study of descriptive-analytical type. Required data for the research have been already collected from documentary and field studies (by surveys and questionnaires completed by rural residents). Questionnaires have been completed in person. The information have been coded and then analyzed in SPSS software. The statistical society of the research consists of Oji Abad rural households which, according to the documentaries from rural municipality, had had a number of 350 households and 1400 inhabitants. Simple random sampling method was used and based on Cochran formula the required sample size was determined to be 152 households which have directly answered the questions. To evaluate the impact of religious tourism on each sub-criteria of the related factors (economic, social, cultural and environmental) the value of each respective sub-criteria was firstly determined using Delphi technique and quantity table of "Thomas L. hour". Then, using Likert scale, the value of each sub-criteria was added to its rating and its relative value was calculated in the total questionnaires. In the next step, NOVA test and regression analysis were used to analyze the impact of religious tourism on the four dimensions of Rural Development and to investigate hypotheses of the research.
Discussion and conclusion
Religious tourism is one of the most important and booming industries of tourism with significant impacts on different aspects of societies, especially its economy. Results from One-way ANOVA indicate that it does not equally influence the four economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects and it strongly affects economic, cultural, and social factors, respectively. Results from regression analysis confirm the same things. It can be said that religious tourism in the intended rural area largely affect the economic aspect of the local society and that the religious booming and presence of pilgrims in the village cause formation of temporary businesses, improvement of transport, service, and residential sectors. Agencies, road transportation, Supermarkets, bakeries and other businesses have achieved the greatest benefits of the boom of religious tourism in the village.
Of course, it must be said that its economic impact has not been spread enough and just affected the living conditions of a limited number of households. So, all the potential capacities of religious tourism have not been used in the villages and it needs precise management and planning. The entrance of religious tourists and pilgrims from different cultures and cultural interactions of people and local communities caused remarkable cultural changes of the host community. So, cultural aspect is located in the second place of effectiveness. But, this matter cannot be considered as the only reason of cultural changes in local societies. In addition, vast and strong activities of public media, especially in recent years, is the main reason of rural cultural interaction and changes. Social factor is ranking in the third grade for Oji Abad which means that the host community and most of other communities of tourists and pilgrims are socially homogenous with no significant differences. Finally, based on statistics from the research tests, the boom of religious tourism has had a significant impact on some parts of the rural environment, especially those parts which are directly connected with the religious system, and has led to the distribution of wastes, overpopulation and overcrowding of the village. On the other hand, it has had no effect on virgin areas, water resources and its
landscapes which have been far from the center of the religious system.

Asadollah Divsalar,
Volume 5, Issue 16 (8-2016)
Abstract

Introduction
In this world, villages have turned to a be a place for those people who escape from urban life and machinated life and so people travel to villages to rest. Regarding to the range of demands and necessities of rural environments in these days, rural tourism is developing and its importance and appealing is increasing. In the process of regional planning, rural tourism can be considered as a tool for increasing the local occupation and improving the quality of life and as a result increasing the level of economic welfare and social facilities. Handicrafts in rural regions is a complement factor for agricultural economy. Because of potential job creation opportunities and also earning money, while handicrafts can fill villagers' free time and eliminate unemployment, it can prevent seasonal or permanent migrations that is considered as one of the social harms. This study tries to answer two questions about foothill villages in Behshar County which are very potential at creating and producing handicrafts: First of all, what is the role of growing and developing handicrafts in rural tourism economy? And secondly, regarding the role of handicrafts in tourism economy what villages are at the top respectively?
Methodology
Methodology used in this study is descriptive and analytic-survey. Data collection has been done by documentary and field study using Likert Scale questionnaires. Data collection has been done by documentary and field study using Likert Scale questionnaires. Statistical population includes 18 foothill villages of Behshahr County; their geographical location and demographic features are shown in figure 2 and table 1. Handicraft products in these villages include wood craving, sculptor, felting, wrapper weaving, carpet weaving, basket weaving, and based on Cochran Formula, 249 householders were chosen as sample size and they were classified randomly. For data analysis, One Sample T Test, Chi- Square, and deviation from optimum have been used. To evaluate validity and stability of the questionnaires by Cronbach's Coefficient Alfa, the results of 25 questionnaires have been tested; the calculated Alfa is 0.89. To obtain validity of the 249 questionnaires, KMO Test and Bartlett's Test have been used; the obtained number is 0.8 that suggests a desirable validity.
Discussion and Conclusion
Tourism and tourism economy have turned to one of the major business principle of world. Beside tourism that has an effective role in national development and diversification of national and regional economy, handicrafts can be a complement for some historical and tourism attractions. Tourism is one of the most important activities; in recent decades tourism has a special place in economic development in some countries. This industry creates income, foreign exchange, job and also it exchanges culture, and more than that it has assigned a share in economic activities of the world including exports. Results show that handicrafts have a role in development of rural tourism economy in Behshahr that is more than the average level. In foothill villages of  Behshahr county, among all the villages, Koa village with number 2.59 has the least impact regarding the following indicators: attracting native and non-native tourists, improving the level of earning income for tourism activists, developing the sustainable capacities, attracting cultural tourists, developing and improving tourism attractions and setting up exhibitions for developing handicrafts. Kiasar village with the number 4.76, and having the first grade, has the most impact regarding the mentioned indicators.

Aliakbar Najafi Kani, Kobra Najafi,
Volume 10, Issue 35 (4-2021)
Abstract

Introduction
The tourism industry can provide a good platform for investment, and because of its less reliance on resources, provides an opportunity for less developed countries to stimulate their economic growth to increase production and create job opportunities. Meanwhile, the villages have very favorable and special conditions in accordance with their cultural, social, economic, geographical and natural structure. Today, tourists are interested in visiting farms, orchards, groves, springs, cultural and tourist landscapes in rural settlements. Therefore, planning to use them to develop rural tourism is inevitable. Undoubtedly, rural tourism is a reliable source in many developed and developing countries, which can have a significant impact on increasing the income of villagers. One of the biggest benefits of the rural tourism sector is to create income and increase wages, and consequently to improve the economic situation for the people who work there. Accordingly, the overall purpose of this study is to investigate the capacity of tourism development and provide solutions to develop tourism in mountainous villages near the metropolis of Tehran.
Damavand County is in Tehran Province, which has been selected as a typical tourism region of Iran. According to the 2016 census, its population is 125480 people. This county with an area of 1932 square kilometers, includes five districts named Damavand, Absard, Kilan, Rudehen and Abali, two districts including central and Rudehen and 111 villages. Its average height above sea level is 2300 meters.
The center of this county (Damavand city) is located 75 km away from Tehran and has an average height of 2051 meters and its population is 48380 people.
The central district of the county consists of three rural districts, Jam Abroud, (Absard city as capital), Abarshiveh Rural District, (Sarbandan village as the capital), and Tarrud Rural District, (Mara village as the capital), which overall have 87 villages.
Damavand mountainous and countryside county, with its many capabilities and diverse geographical landscapes, has potential and actual capabilities to attract tourists. Abali track, lakes such as Tar and Havir lakes, several waterfalls such as Tizab, Ayeneh Rud. Cheshmeh A'la and Roodafshan Cave and its numerous springs, beautiful gardens and farms, and a very pleasant climate are among its tourist attractions.
The most important attractions of this area attract many nature enthusiasts. For many years, it has been used by the public, especially the residents of the metropolis of Tehran, and many travelers travel from other areas, so comprehensive understanding, design, and proper management to develop tourism in this area is essential and inevitable. Accordingly, the present study, by examining and explaining the important factors of tourism development, tries to consider the welfare of present and future generations, improvement in the quality of life and finally improvement of economic and social welfare level and creating a healthy rural environment in the study area. According to the mentioned issues, the fundamental questions of the research are as follows:
  • What is the capacity of rural tourism in the studied villages?
  • What are the key strategies to solve tourism issues in rural areas?
Research Methodology
Research type is applied research and the research method is descriptive-analytical and field study. The statistical population of the present study is rural households living in the twelve studied villages that according to the 2016 census the population is equal to 14024 people and 3600 households, 15 questions in this research as tourism development capacity and 18 questions as possible challenges for tourism development. It was set in a five-level Likert item (very low, low, medium, high and very high). Tables 1 and 2 demonstrate the reliability of the research instrument using Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the studied components which were 79%, the sample size was 260 by using Cochran's formula and the number of samples was randomly simple/systematic after measuring, the generators were analyzed by using SPSS software and using a hierarchical cluster analysis method.

Discussion and Conclusions
The results of studies in the field of rural tourism show that tourism is an important factor in the occurrence of positive and negative changes in the economic, social and environmental fields at the local and regional levels. Although this activity can lead to the development of rural areas, it can have both adverse consequences. The results of the Friedman Test for measuring the tourism development capacity explain a significant difference at the 99% level with each other. Also, for the challenges of tourism development a significant and 95% difference between the investigated indices is observed. The results of the hierarchical cluster analysis test (neighborhood matrix calculations) Euclidean distance of each village is compared to the next village and based on this, the similarities and differences of the villages have been explained. Then, the clustering process is done in eleven stages, and the studied villages are classified into four categories in terms of tourism capacity. The first cluster villages (Moomej, Jaban Ayneh Varzan) and the second cluster villages (Sarbandan, Zan, Seyyedabad, Havir, Dehnar and Shalambeh) have the most tourism development capacity respectively. Although the third cluster village (Vadan) and the fourth cluster villages (Sorkh Deh and Hashemak) have many tourist attractions compared to the first and second cluster villages, they have lower tourism development capacity. The studied villages are also divided into four categories in terms of the challenges of tourism development. The first cluster village (Moomej village) and the second cluster villages (Jaban, Sarbandan, Vadan, Zan, Ayneh Varzan, Seyyedabad, and Dehnar) have the most challenges in tourism development, respectively. However, the villages of the third cluster (Havir and Shalambeh) and the villages of the fourth cluster (Sorkh Deh and Hashemak) have the least challenges respectively. It can be concluded that while some villages have a high tourism potential based on studied indicators, some of them are also more vulnerable. Therefore, the endeavor of all local managers and officials towards the comprehensive management of rural tourism development is essential and inevitable.

Ali Movahed , Moslem Ghasemi , Leila Oroji ,
Volume 10, Issue 36 (8-2021)
Abstract

Introduction
Entrepreneurship is one of the development approaches of rural areas in various dimensions including economic, social and environmental. It also plays an important role as a leading strategy in the tourism sector. Entrepreneurial programs and activities can have important effects on the dimensions, indicators and different sectors of rural areas and rural tourism destinations resulting in important changes and developments in these destinations. Alamut district situated within Qazvin city, having its rural tourism resources and capabilities along with ecotourism and cultural tourism capacities, is one of the areas that has been associated with tourism growth and entrepreneurial activities in the past decade. The main purpose of this study is to assess the extent and scope of the effects and consequences of entrepreneurship programs on the changes and developments of rural tourism destinations within different dimensions.

Methodology
 This research is of applied type and in terms of the nature of data, it is a quantitative-qualitative combined research. For this purpose, first through a series of library and field studies, the set of entrepreneurial activities carried out in the past decade was identified and then the dimensions and indicators of rural tourism destinations in four dimensions of economic, managerial-human, socio-cultural and physical-spatial were identified. The main statistical population of the study was the group of experts including village councils and rural tourism researchers and scholars familiar with the region and the tourism businesses owners. Local people were also examined as a complementary statistical population in terms of quality and theoretical saturation method to complete the information. Data analysis was performed using indicators and statistical analysis alongside with qualitative analysis.

Discussion and Conclusion
The results show limited effects of entrepreneurship on the economic indicators of villages. Entrepreneurship has not been able to have significant effects on any economic indicators and the main effects are moderate and sometimes upward. Also in the socio-cultural dimension, entrepreneurial activities have not been able to make significant changes in the villages of Alamut, and these changes, which have been mainly positive, are limited. Entrepreneurial activities have a relative and moderate impact on the growth of the number of creative people and indigenous or non-indigenous entrepreneurs in rural areas, and to some extent have provided the ground for officials to communicate with entrepreneurs. In the physical-spatial dimension, the effects of entrepreneurship have been positive and negative. The average effects of entrepreneurship on the physical-spatial dimension are at a moderate and relative level. Entrepreneurship has had very little impact only on the level of protection of natural resources, but has had relative effects on the development of rural infrastructure and the level of infrastructure. However, the type of effects in this section is positive and negative. In the study of villages from the perspective of variability of entrepreneurship, Gazerkhan village, Garmarud and Evan village are in the first priority of change. Evan village has faced relative economic and physical-spatial changes due to the existence of Lake Evan and constructions, services and recreational complexes, and the structure of the village as well as the culture of the people and their social relations have been accompanied by changes. In other villages, the effects of entrepreneurship are small and limited, and in fact, entrepreneurship has not been able to make significant changes in these villages.
In generally, the results show that the level of effects and consequences of entrepreneurship on destination changes is mainly at a moderate to high level while the degree of influence of destinations from entrepreneurship programs is relative. In general, the necessary planning should be done to manage the destination in order to prevent potential threats in order to reach the optimal level of development. Although entrepreneurship has caused relative and moderate changes in various dimensions in the tourist villages of Alamut, but these cases do not mean a great change in Alamut tourism and the changes have been very slow and gradual and it cannot be said that there is no particular change in rural tourism has been created. However, although the effects are limited and cannot be considered a change, but since the changes in destinations have been evident over the years, so it can be used as a strategy and program to change tourism in rural destinations in Alamut. Another noteworthy point is that the effects of entrepreneurship on all dimensions are the same and equal, which indicates that the level of entrepreneurial activities due to its limited scope, has not had much difference on different dimensions.

Anoshiravan Zahiri, Hadi Sanaeepour, Abdolghani Rastegar,
Volume 10, Issue 37 (12-2021)
Abstract

Introduction
Economic actors must be prepared to identify and plan risks. In other words, businesses need to improve their resilience. Improving business resilience consists planning for risks and businesses capabilities for surviving and thriving despite unfavorable conditions. Business resilience is the structural and procedural dynamics that enable businesses to have the capacity to address challenges. Survival and development of businesses operating in today's unstable environment depends to some extent on their resilience. In this regard, eco-resorts call for improvement of their resilience capacity. Resilience capacity enhances the ability of eco-tourism businesses in the face of specific situations and accelerates transformational actions in the event of unexpected and important events and contributes to the long-term survival of the organization. To this end, the purpose of this study is modeling the resilience of eco resorts in rural areas of Giulan Province.  A literature review was conducted and verified the research gap in the importance of business resilience in rural areas and highlighted that no study has been conducted to address this issue. Also, it should be noted that the rural economy is not merely economic, but also social, political and security aspects, and this study can contribute to new perspectives on this matter.

Methodology

The present study is exploratory. The study uses a qualitative method and specifically a grounded theory, to model the resilience pattern of eco-tourism businesses in rural areas of Gilan Province. Semi-structured interviews with key practitioners and informants were used as the means of data collection. For this purpose, a snowball sampling was used. 18 interviewees were selected and the collected information reached saturation point. For data analysis, the systematic method of Strauss and Corbin was performed in three main steps: open coding, axial coding and selective coding. After conducting interviews and integrating common themes using the grounded theory method, the categories were divided into six groups: causal factors, context factors, axial phenomenon or component, intervening factors, strategies and consequences, and ultimately a paradigmatic model was designed. The validity of the research tool was confirmed by participants, and peers. The reliability of the results was evaluated by several experts on the topic and the final model was extracted.

Discussion and conclusion
Based on the findings, the causal factors of the research include the variables of entrepreneurial attitude (including entrepreneurial awareness and identification, discovery and creation of opportunities in rural areas), entrepreneurial orientation and leadership, entrepreneurial characteristics, technology-based entrepreneurship and strategic entrepreneurial perspective of business owners in this rural region.
Also, intervention factors were identified as variables of creative and innovative milieu, entrepreneurial culture of rural areas, customer service and networking between entrepreneurs and residents of rural areas, communication and coordination within the organization and stakeholders, social exchange of the local community.
The context factors of the research consisted of the development of public and technological infrastructure in rural areas, improving the macroeconomic and social environment, promoting institutional arrangements (government, public sector and market), rural destinations and attractions and their uniqueness.
Eco tourism business resilience strategies comprise creating virtual social networks for promoting rural businesses, financial supports, administrative supports, political supports, legal supports, advertising, marketing and branding of rural businesses, improving individual and managerial skills of rural economic actors, reviewing business plans, strategic planning of human capital, providing a sustainable competitive advantage (competitiveness) for rural businesses and knowledge management for local people.
In conclusion, the resilience of eco-tourism businesses leads to consequences such as sustainability, durability and flexibility of rural businesses, exploiting business opportunities in rural areas, creating security in rural areas by establishing sustainable development (socio-cultural, economic and environmental), job creation, social welfare, prosperity of the local economy and reverse migration to rural areas.

Erfaneh Hosseinzadeh, Ali Shamsoddini, Rabiaz Rabia Ghorbaninejad, Ali Tavakolan,
Volume 10, Issue 37 (12-2021)
Abstract

Introduction
Culinary tourism may have many economic benefits for rural areas. Many practitioners consider this type of tourism as a tool for rural development that can stimulate the local economy and support existing jobs and create new jobs in these areas. Food tourism events have recently become a major means for economic development in villages and local areas. The question of the study is to what extent culinary tourism has been able to be effective in maintaining economic growth and development in the rural areas particularly the north regions of the country and foster the survival and stability of the villages.
 
Methodology
 The present research is applied in terms of purpose and a mix method (qualitative-quantitative) study in terms of data collection. The qualitative part consists of a content analysis and the quantitative part is descriptive-exploratory. The method of data collection is a desk research and a field study using semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire. The research population is also divided into qualitative and quantitative. The research community for the qualitative part comprises the experts of the Tourism and Cultural Heritage Organization, as well as professors on rural planning and development in Mazandaran Province. The characteristics of them were high experience as a manager, knowledge of the research topic, and they were selected in a purposeful and snowball method, so 16 people were selected to achieve a saturation. The statistical population for quantitative part was a limited and included 375 restaurateurs, accommodation owners, hotel owners and experts of the Tourism and Cultural Heritage Organization. 182 of them were randomly selected using the Cochran's formula. Coding was the data analysis tool for qualitative part and Delphi technique was used to design the model in quantitative part. Finally, the model was obtained using the structural equation modeling and PLS Smart software.
 
Discussion and conclusion
In many countries, food tourism is closely in consistence with agricultural policies and is often deemed as a means to support a sustainable rural economy. When it comes to sustainability in rural development, economic growth and poverty alleviation for villagers along with optimizing the social structure of their communities, which is obtained by equitable distribution of services and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Non-agricultural activity diversification in rural areas accelerates the process of sustainable development, not only economically but also culturally and socially. Since Mazandaran Province is popular tourist destinations in Iran, it has the capability to utilize food as a tourism axis in this province. The present study demonstrates that for the culinary tourism in the studied area, the three categories of marketing, services and planning should be attended. This will result to sustainable income, economic growth and sustainable employment, and ultimately to foster a sustainable economy. All indicators for the model of culinary tourism on sustainable rural economy of Mazandaran were confirmed. These findings show that the aspects of food tourism, sustainable income, economic growth and sustainable employment have been able to form a model for analyzing food tourism in a sustainable rural economy. In conclusion, the aspects of the model and the underling hypothesis were validated.

Kebria Moradi, Hamdollah Sojasi Qeidary, Hamid Shayan, Omid Ali Kharazmi,
Volume 10, Issue 38 (3-2022)
Abstract

Introduction
In recent decades, the international growth of agricultural tourism in rural economies has raised a number of important policy-related topics for local development planning, the most important of which is the development of production and support for entrepreneurship in agricultural tourism. Given that entrepreneurship in all areas, including agricultural tourism, is a complex phenomenon, agricultural tourism as a complex system encompasses a large range of interactions between economic, environmental, social, technical and financial elements. Therefore, the development of entrepreneurial businesses for agricultural tourism is based on the framework of the factors that make up the environment of a system. Therefore, all these factors must be investigated. Because these factors are interrelated and interact directly and indirectly. In this regard, identifying key factors and factors in the development of entrepreneurial businesses as a complex system can help to revitalize rural areas of the region and is effective in realizing the goals of entrepreneurship in rural areas. Therefore, in this research, it will be tried to identify the proposed dimensions and components for the development of entrepreneurial businesses in the field of agricultural tourism, and the model of development of entrepreneurial businesses in agricultural tourism will be provided based on the causality model.

Methodology
The current research is an applied research and regarding the results, it is an exploratory research. In this regard, the factors affecting the development of entrepreneurial businesses in agricultural tourism were identified and classified in four socio-cultural, individual skills, tourism facilities and policies. This research also focuses on the rural areas of Mahallat town due to its potential and its ability to develop agricultural tourism. According to field studies of 40 villages in the studied area in two districts of Khorheh and Bagherabad, 21 villages with agricultural tourism capability were identified and selected. In order to investigate the effect of each variable in the causal factors model, 30 questionnaires were designed and delivered to the executive and academic elites. Vensim software was used to draw the causal diagram based on systematic thinking, and to analyze the collected data, descriptive and inferential statistics (single sample and Friedman) were used in SPSS software.

Discussions and Results
The results of t test indicate that the factor of policy making and its related variables are the highest mean and then the factor of facilities and services of tourism with 4.02, the factor of individual skills with 3.8, socio-cultural factor with 3.7 and the factor of local capacity with 3.6 are placed in the next ranks respectively. Regarding the fact that in recent years, entrepreneurship is considered as one of the important components of job creation and economic development in societies, so in the last few decades, policymakers in different societies have tried to develop entrepreneurial policies for economic growth. Also, given that the rural development plays a very important role in national development, the development of entrepreneurial activities in rural areas can be considered as a tool for national development. The results of the research on the basis of the t test show that the impact of the policy making factor on the development of entrepreneurial businesses in agricultural tourism is ranked first, and the factor of tourism facilities and services, socio-cultural factors, individual skills and local agricultural capacities are the next ranks respectively. The results of the Friedman test also indicate that the factor of policy making is ranked first by the experts, so the findings of this study indicate that the government as the most influential factor through policies and policies related to the development of entrepreneurial entrepreneurship in the field of agricultural tourism and supportive policies can enhance the motivation and the fields of entrepreneurship development in the villages. On the other hand, it has a direct impact on other factors as well. Also, the cultural and social factor and policy will have a significant impact on the individual skills factor as there are positive attitudes towards entrepreneurship in the community as well as policy makers support entrepreneurial activities in rural areas, the desire for entrepreneurial activities in agricultural tourism grows in local communities. It also boosts social and communication skills, entrepreneurship creativity and innovation, and high-quality services, resulting in tourists coming to the region more frequently and defining their good experience everywhere. Also, the factors of policy making and individual skills will directly affect the factors of the facilities and services of the tourism because when qualified human resources are trained in local communities, especially experienced tour guides and thus creating interaction between tourists and residents of the region and awareness of tourists' needs can serve as a stimulating factor for satisfaction and safety of tourists. Local capacity factor is also an important factor in the development of entrepreneurial businesses in rural areas, because there is no potential and developmental capacity for this type of tourism in many areas.

Javad Madani, Ismail Taghavi Zirvani,
Volume 11, Issue 40 (9-2022)
Abstract

Introduction
The tourism industry has been promoted as a common strategy for the development and reinvention of rural areas, especially in rural areas that have been severely affected by the decline of traditional agriculture. Tourism in rural areas is considered an accelerator of growing economies in both developing and developed economies. The social and economic impacts of rural tourism on individuals and society have been considered important, especially in less developed countries. The development of rural tourism in areas with rich biodiversity has helped local communities achieve their goal of improving livelihoods. Also, rural tourism has helped the local community to increase their income and increase their livelihood significantly. Although the economic benefits of tourism are well accepted, measuring the economic impact of rural tourism on rural areas is often ambiguous, as different approaches provide different results. Therefore, it is important to consider the effects of rural tourism on rural development both economically and in other dimensions. Assessment of the success of rural tourism initiatives that aim to benefit local communities, as well as rural environments, has always been a challenge. Many researchers and scholars of economics and tourism believe that the diversity of key drivers of rural tourism for improving the livelihood of rural households is due to geographical location and subsequent conditions. However, geographical conditions are necessary for the ensuing decisions. Therefore, in this research, the main goal is to identify and prioritize the key drivers of rural tourism in improving the livelihood of rural households. This study considers the potential of rural tourism as a tool to promote and improve rural households' livelihood. 

 Methodology
The current research is an applied study in terms of its purpose, and the research method used is a mixed method. The research design is exploratory sequential that analyses the qualitative information and then quantitative data. In this research, in the first phase, the qualitative method of thematic analysis was used, and in the second phase, the quantitative survey method was used. In the qualitative phase, the relevant codes were obtained from the semi-structured interviews. The codes were converted into basic themes by the thematic analysis method. In the second phase, these items were prioritized by a quantitative survey method. Thematic analysis analyzes textual data manually through several steps, including data identification, creating initial codes, searching for themes among codes, and reviewing and naming themes. We applied the Attride-Stirling(2001) approach, and the extracted themes were categorized into three "basic, organizing and global" themes. 

Discussion and conclusion
According to the findings of this study, the themes extracted from the semi-structured interviews are in the form of 58 basic themes, 19 organizing themes and four global themes. In analyzing the development of rural tourism, it is necessary to pay attention to economic, social, cultural, technological and political factors in order to determine their impact. This way provides measures for the further development of rural tourism. After performing the calculations, it was found that the infrastructure and technological factors have the greatest impact on the development of rural tourism. These factors consist of the development of public and health infrastructure, the increase of recreational facilities for the local community, the creation of high-quality recreational opportunities, and the creation of transportation infrastructure facilities. Although rural tourism has a positive effect on the rural household's livelihood, it may be difficult to rapidly increase the number of tourists to this area in the future because the area is far from the nearest metropolis and also a very competitive rural tourist market is located in Ardabil Province, especially the city of Sarein. This study concludes that public policies are necessary to strengthen basic infrastructure and facilities. The infrastructural and technological benefits of rural tourism include improving infrastructure, protecting these areas and providing the necessary facilities. The main nature of rural tourism development in improving the rural household's livelihood is to reduce the gap in regional development between cities and villages, which is done through career consultancy, improving the well-being of local people in their environment, ensuring optimal standards of quality of life and providing privileges to rural residents. In the present study, rural tourism in areas adjacent to Sarein City was positively and independently related to households' satisfaction with life. The development of rural tourism can also lead to cultural and social changes through development programs. Accordingly, social influences play an important role in tourism development because the host community, represented as local households, interact with tourists directly, and positive cultural influences help support future tourism programs. All in all, the drivers of rural tourism can have positive effects on the livelihood of rural households, including improving the quality of life, improving the economic situation, developing the infrastructure of villages, etc.


Page 1 from 2    
First
Previous
1
 

© 2024 CC BY-NC 4.0 |

Designed & Developed by : Yektaweb