Tourism Management Studies

Abstract The tourism policymaking formulated through tourism development acts and national and/or regional comprehensive plans, is an important tool for strategic development of tourism. However, challenges in the execution phase often hinder attaining the stated goals. The present research, as an empirical study aims to evaluate and prioritize these obstacles. A total 16 factors were drawn from the previous studies and
experts’ views, and hence offered in a questionnaire to senior consultants and experts of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO) to be prioritized. Findings from Fuzzy TOPSIS showed that improper resource allocation, unclear executive policies, inefficient communication systems, and unsuitable facilities and accommodations are the frontrunner obstacles in the way of proper strategy implementation in tourism industry.
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Abstract The word-of-mouth (WOM) and non-conversational advertising are two well-established methods to attract tourists to destinations. Since the tourism product is mostly untestable before it is used, the role of advertisement is fortified. Consequently, the present research explores the impact of conversational and non-conversational advertising on promotion of brand equity in the touristic city of Isfahan.
A questionnaire survey was conducted on a sample of 384 potential tourists to Isfahan.
Data were analyzed through SEM and CFA by making use of SPSS and LISREL softwares. Results demonstrated that advertisement had
no significant bearing on the destinations’ brand image, while at a 99 percent confidence level, WOM and customer experience showed a significant effect.
Also, a significant impact was found exerting from conversational and non-conversational advertisement on customer experience. Customer experience itself influences brand equity, and the brand image affects destination brand equity, all at a 99 percent confidence level.
 

Abstract Ecotourism can be defined broadly as nature tourism with a responsible stance in face of environment. In planning for ecotourism, sustainable development is of prime value.
The present research assesses the capabilities and ecotourism potentials of Jahannama Protected Area, and projects insights into priorities for ecotourism planning.
Data were gathered through desk research, field observation, and questionnaire survey from local communities (364 individuals) and 20 experts.
Inferential statistics revealed a significant relationship between natural
attributes and their impact on tourists’ motivations for visiting attractions. Also the tourists acquaintance with the place was proved to raise tourists’ visiting motivations.
Keywords:
 
Ecotourism can be defined broadly as nature tourism with a responsible stance in face of environment. In planning for ecotourism, sustainable development is of prime value.
 
The present research assesses the capabilities and ecotourism potentials of Jahannama Protected Area, and projects insights into priorities for ecotourism planning.
 
 
Inferential statistics revealed a significant relationship between natural
 
attributes and their impact on tourists’ motivations for visiting attractions. Also the tourists acquaintance with the place was proved to raise tourists’ visiting motivations.
 
ecotourism capabilities, Protected Area, Jahannama Protected Area in Gorgan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Abstract Geomorphotourism is a branch of
 
geosciences and tourism studies, which studies the geomorphosites or geomorphological special locations.
In this research geotourism potentials of geomorphosites in Mahabad county were analyzed based on new techniques such as Comanescu method and field studies.
Values resulted from each method were compared with each other, and the scientific, cultural, economic, management, and beauty values of the sites were analyzed by Comanescu method.
Geotouristic valuation of each Geomorphosite is of paramount importance in tourism planning and investment respecting the geomorphotouristic potentials of the area.
Among the examined landforms, Saholan water cave was found to have the highest score of 75.

Abstract Investment is a highly important economic variable that its increase or decrease can be a main cause of boom or recession in different economic sectors. It is also considered one of the most fundamental push factors in developing economic sectors.
Tourism
industry has a big share in Khorasan Razavi Province’s revenues. This papers aims to evaluate the impacts of tourism invesment on employment levels. In doing so, the study made use of an updated input – output (IO) table of Khorasan Razavi Province, and RAS method to develop and update the IO table.
Results demonstrate that a one percent increase in the tourism investment (in Hotels and Restaurants), generates as many as 15,316 employment opportunites in the overal economy of the province, out of which 534 jobs are directly in tourism sector (equivalent to 3.5 % of total employment). The employment resulted from a one percent increase in the value-added of tourism, reflects a 58 percent share of employment in tourism sector and 42 percent in other activities.

Abstract Dissolution landforms as geomorphosites with high tourism potentials can play a boosting role in tourism industry of a country.
This paper aims to evaluate the geo-tourism potentials of three caves in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari Province, namely Sarab, Seyed-Isa and Chehel-Peleh which were selected out of 60 landforms identified across the province.
The paper made use of Prolong and Prolong Modified Models. With regard to research tools, this study mainly employed topographic and geological maps, field examination data and questionnaires.
Findings revealed a difference in the tourism values resulted from the two models. Based on Prolong Model, Sarab Cave indicated the highest tourism value of 15.75, with Chehel-Peleh and Seyed-Isa in the second and third place respectively. However, according to Prolong Modified Model, Sarab and Seyed-Isa were the t