Bahman Khodapanah; Fariba Mesri Eisalo; Vali Nemati; Mojtaba Babaei
Abstract
This study aims to design a framework for circular tourism development in Ardabil Province using a content analysis approach. To achieve this, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 tourism experts. Data analysis and coding yielded 229 open codes, which were categorized into 26 axial ...
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This study aims to design a framework for circular tourism development in Ardabil Province using a content analysis approach. To achieve this, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 tourism experts. Data analysis and coding yielded 229 open codes, which were categorized into 26 axial codes. Furthermore, 10 selective codes were identified, including sustainable management of local resources, strengthening local culture and heritage, reutilization and ecological coexistence, waste management and crisis conditions, empowerment and local participation, strengthening the local economy and entrepreneurship, enhancing local solidarity and public awareness, innovation and creative management, autonomy and process improvement, and diversification and local incentives.As a pioneering study in circular tourism, this research provides a conceptual framework for developing this tourism model in Ardabil Province. The study concludes with practical recommendations to facilitate the implementation of circular tourism and promote sustainable regional development.
Amin Faal Jalali; Khadija Bozrajmehri
Abstract
Sport tourism, a key form of tourism, is an effective driver of economic development. The rural areas of northern Khorasan Razavi face economic challenges, including limited activity diversity, low income, and scarce job opportunities due to environmental constraints. However, the region is culturally ...
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Sport tourism, a key form of tourism, is an effective driver of economic development. The rural areas of northern Khorasan Razavi face economic challenges, including limited activity diversity, low income, and scarce job opportunities due to environmental constraints. However, the region is culturally rich, renowned as the birthplace of Chukht wrestling, a sport deeply rooted in local culture and ethnicity. The enthusiastic tourist response to this event highlights its potential to boost the region's economy. This study investigates the impacts of event-based sport tourism on the economic resilience of rural areas. Data were collected via questionnaires across 11 villages and analyzed using a survey-based approach, descriptive-inferential statistics, and the CODAS ranking method. Five components (Good Governance, Social Development, Microeconomic Market Efficiency, Environmental Factors, Economic Stability) were assessed, with mean scores (4.00 to 3.36) indicating positive impacts. CODAS ranking identified Rahvard (score 1.61) as the leader, followed by Barghamad and EmamVerdiKhan.
Marzieh Moradi; Abolhasan Hosseini; Mohammad Safari
Abstract
This study aims to systematically analyze customer journey models in digital tourism using the conceptual approach of the “Paradigm Funnel.” This framework distinguishes between different levels of knowledge, from empirical data to fundamental concepts. Based on Boland et al.’s (2013) ...
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This study aims to systematically analyze customer journey models in digital tourism using the conceptual approach of the “Paradigm Funnel.” This framework distinguishes between different levels of knowledge, from empirical data to fundamental concepts. Based on Boland et al.’s (2013) systematic review method, 12 academic articles were selected and analyzed across four levels: empirical observations, analytical methods, specific theories, and core assumptions. The findings show a dominant focus on empirical data and methods, with limited attention to theoretical foundations. The lack of independent review studies underscores the need for more comprehensive research. Digital technologies and online interactions play a key role in shaping customer decision-making models and offer opportunities for future studies in areas such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and big data. By identifying research gaps and proposing future directions, this study contributes to the development of digital marketing strategies and the design of enhanced customer experiences in tourism.
Davood Jamini; Farhad Javan; Ramin Atashbahar
Abstract
The main goal of the present research is to conduct an applied study on the use of machine learning algorithms as a subset of artificial intelligence and to compare their performance in locating eco-camps for tourism, which was conducted as a case study in the Shamshir tourism sample area. In order to ...
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The main goal of the present research is to conduct an applied study on the use of machine learning algorithms as a subset of artificial intelligence and to compare their performance in locating eco-camps for tourism, which was conducted as a case study in the Shamshir tourism sample area. In order to achieve the main goal of the research, ten criteria (altitude, slope, slope direction, distance from the fault, angle of solar radiation, distance from the waste landfill, land use, distance from the river, distance from the road, and distance from the village and facilities) were used. The required data was extracted from various sources such as satellite images, OSM site, and digital elevation models, and initial data processing was performed in Arc GIS Pro software. Two algorithms, RF and GTB, and GIS software were used to analyze the data. The overall results of the research indicate the remarkable accuracy.
Ali Delshad; Melika Sadeghizade; Fatemeh Shoelaei Majoumerd
Abstract
This study aims to systematically collect and evaluate prior research on the tourism value chain to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and suggest future research directions. Over a five-month period, more than 65 articles were retrieved from reputable international databases such ...
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This study aims to systematically collect and evaluate prior research on the tourism value chain to provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge and suggest future research directions. Over a five-month period, more than 65 articles were retrieved from reputable international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, selected based on thematic relevance, credibility, and publication date. Following a rigorous screening process, 51 English-language articles published between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed using a systematic review combined with a paradigm funnel approach. The findings reveal a lack of comprehensive comparative studies examining the value chain structure across diverse tourism destinations. Additionally, critical dimensions such as environmental sustainability and social equity, particularly under global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, have been largely overlooked. The insights gained can aid policymakers and stakeholders in enhancing sustainable development within the tourism industry.
Ali Movahed; Moslem Ghasemi; seyed Hamed Kermanian
Abstract
The United States sanctions against Iran have affected the country's economy and the tourism sector. The aim of the study is to examine the indicators of the economic effects of trade sanctions on Iran's tourism industry. The study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-qualitative in terms of ...
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The United States sanctions against Iran have affected the country's economy and the tourism sector. The aim of the study is to examine the indicators of the economic effects of trade sanctions on Iran's tourism industry. The study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-qualitative in terms of data collection through semi-structured interviews with experts in the Iranian tourism industry. The findings show that 26 initial codes were identified from 702 sections of the interviews and 4 main components were extracted. The findings show that among the effective factors of sanctions, the category of financial sanctions is in the first place, the category of social measures and the category of political measures, and the category of trade sanctions are in the next place. The results show that sanctions negatively affect the commercial image of the destination, international travel is severely limited, and financial investment and supply chains are disrupted.
fatemeh azizi
Abstract
With the increasing elderly population, focusing on health-related aspects of tourism has become essential. This study aimed to analyze the knowledge structure of senior tourism with an emphasis on health components, using a mixed quantitative–qualitative approach through bibliometric analysis ...
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With the increasing elderly population, focusing on health-related aspects of tourism has become essential. This study aimed to analyze the knowledge structure of senior tourism with an emphasis on health components, using a mixed quantitative–qualitative approach through bibliometric analysis and Total Interpretive Structural Modeling (TISM). Based on 270 Scopus-indexed articles (1979–2024), the quantitative phase employed co-citation and keyword co-occurrence analyses to identify key concepts and trends, while the qualitative phase modeled causal relationships. Results revealed three main conceptual clusters: mobility, green spaces, and health crises, alongside a shift in research focus toward mental health, medical tourism, and digital interaction. The conceptual model highlighted the central role of senior and medical tourism, through subjective well-being and quality of life, in promoting active aging. These findings provide a foundation for developing health-oriented policies and effective tourism interventions aimed at enhancing elderly well-being.
Mehrnaz Tohidi Moghadam; Raheleh Jalalniya; Esmaeel MalekAkhlagh
Abstract
This study aims to design a model for smart social tourism policymaking in Iran through qualitative research. Data were gathered via interviews with tourism academics and industry managers, and analyzed using grounded theory. Findings indicate that social capital, economic incentives, institutional capacity, ...
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This study aims to design a model for smart social tourism policymaking in Iran through qualitative research. Data were gathered via interviews with tourism academics and industry managers, and analyzed using grounded theory. Findings indicate that social capital, economic incentives, institutional capacity, and digital transformation are key drivers. Influencing factors include institutional frameworks, smart infrastructure, and uneven spatial development. These shape policies such as national social tourism planning, equitable spatial design, smart innovation for inclusive experiences, stronger institutions, workforce empowerment, and responsible governance. Strategic actions lead to balanced tourism opportunities, vibrant local communities, improved national tourism standing, and inclusive sustainability. The model integrates technology and social equity into policy, supporting just and sustainable tourism development. It offers a practical framework for policymakers to advance smart, socially responsible tourism in Iran, aligning innovation with inclusivity and long-term growth.
Hooman Sabzavi; Amin Dehghan
Abstract
With increasing competition in tourism and rising tourist expectations, destination competitiveness has become crucial. However, no comprehensive assessment of Iran’s ski resorts had been conducted. This study aimed to identify key competitiveness dimensions and rank active ski resorts in Iran ...
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With increasing competition in tourism and rising tourist expectations, destination competitiveness has become crucial. However, no comprehensive assessment of Iran’s ski resorts had been conducted. This study aimed to identify key competitiveness dimensions and rank active ski resorts in Iran using a mixed-method approach. In the qualitative phase, a systematic literature review and fuzzy Delphi technique with 18 experts led to the identification of 23 indicators in six main dimensions. In the quantitative phase, data from 302 tourism and sports professionals were collected through a validated questionnaire. One-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests were used for analysis. The results showed significant differences in competitiveness among the ski resorts. Tochal ranked highest in most dimensions, while Kakan had the lowest score. These findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders to evaluate and enhance the competitiveness of winter tourism destinations by focusing on key indicators and addressing destination-specific weaknesses.
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