Marketing economics
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.
Information systems
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.
Tourism planning
Hojjat Varmazyari; Marziye Fathi; Khalil Kalantari
Abstract
Community-Based Tourism (CBT) can help improve the economic and social conditions of local communities, but there are various obstacles. This research aims to identify and analyze the obstacles to local community participation in the development of CBT in rural areas. This investigation has been conducted ...
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Community-Based Tourism (CBT) can help improve the economic and social conditions of local communities, but there are various obstacles. This research aims to identify and analyze the obstacles to local community participation in the development of CBT in rural areas. This investigation has been conducted in nine villages in the Sarvabad and Marivan Counties of Kurdistan Province, Iran, which are recognized for their significant tourism potential. Data coding ultimately segmented the identified barriers into nine categories, including: (1) the exogenous management of rural tourism projects coupled with limited villager involvement; (2) the absence of a monitoring system and the inadequate transmission of management information and supporting evidence to decision-makers; (3) perceived cultural disparities alongside associated negative impacts; and (4) fragile internal organizational structures within the villages. By identifying the aforementioned barriers, this research can help policymakers and researchers make better decisions for the development of CBT in rural areas.
Marketing economics
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.
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.
tourism management
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.
tourism management
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.
Tourism planning
Amin Faal Jalali; maryam ghasemi; Mohsen Noghani Dokht Bahmani
Abstract
Cultural differences in rural areas have bestowed a unique identity on each region, transforming villages into valuable hubs for developing creative tourism. This study examines the creative tourism potential based on the seven UNESCO creativity domains in target tourism villages. The research employs ...
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Cultural differences in rural areas have bestowed a unique identity on each region, transforming villages into valuable hubs for developing creative tourism. This study examines the creative tourism potential based on the seven UNESCO creativity domains in target tourism villages. The research employs a descriptive method grounded in field studies. A total of 190 experts and tourism business owners from 16 target villages in Razavi Khorasan Province participated in completing the research instrument. Results indicate that Kriz excels in handicrafts, Bojhan in gastronomy, Mazinan in music and literature/art, Zafaraniyeh in media and photography, and Riab in design, each showing high potential. Overall, Mazinan ranks first across all creative activities assessed. Among the creativity domains, gastronomy/food emerges as the most attractive compared to others.
Sustainable development of tourism
Marzieh Moradi; Mohammad Safari
Abstract
With the global expansion of tourism and growing attention to sustainability issues, the study of consumer behavior and sustainable travel in this industry has gained increasing importance. The goal of this research is to analyze the scientific network of studies related to customer journeys and sustainable ...
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With the global expansion of tourism and growing attention to sustainability issues, the study of consumer behavior and sustainable travel in this industry has gained increasing importance. The goal of this research is to analyze the scientific network of studies related to customer journeys and sustainable tourism. This study uses bibliometric network simulation and bibliographic analysis to identify dominant trends and concepts in this field.This research employs bibliometric methods, scientific network analysis, and thematic analysis. Data were extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer and Max-QDA software. Citation analysis, bibliographic linking, co-occurrence of words, and thematic analysis were conducted.The results showed that since 2020, many papers have been published on sustainability and customer behavior in sustainable tourism. Thematic analysis identified emerging themes such as destination sustainability, the role of technology in sustainable tourism, and community involvement.
Marketing economics
Azadeh Kazeminia
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to identify potential segments of health-wellbeing tourists visiting Guilan based on their motivations, and to find out if there are statistically significant differences between the segments concerning factors related to interests in various wellness attractions/attributes. ...
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The purpose of this paper is to identify potential segments of health-wellbeing tourists visiting Guilan based on their motivations, and to find out if there are statistically significant differences between the segments concerning factors related to interests in various wellness attractions/attributes. A sample of 227 tourists visiting Guilan was surveyed over a period of 3 months. Data analysis included two distinct phases. First, by conducting a two-stage cluster analysis (hierarchical clustering using the Ward algorithm - non-hierarchical k-means clustering), three segments have been recognized: 1) social escapers, 2) escaper learners, and 3) social learners. Next, the profiles of the identified segments have been defined using logistic regression analysis. The three groups exhibited significant differences in terms of how much importance they attributed to various wellness attractions/activities, superstructure components, and infrastructure elements They also differed from each other in terms of the demographic and information search characteristics. Managerial implications are discussed.
