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Volume 39, Issue 4 (2024)
GeoRes 2024, 39(4): 471-479 |
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Received: 2025/01/12 | Accepted: 2025/02/28 | Published: 2025/03/2
Received: 2025/01/12 | Accepted: 2025/02/28 | Published: 2025/03/2
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Rezaei M, Belali oskuyi A, Keynejad M. Explanation of the Sociability Urban Tourism Model with an Islamic Realism Approach in Tabriz. GeoRes 2024; 39 (4) :471-479
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1- Department of Urbanism, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz University of Islamic Arts, Tabriz, Iran
2- Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz University of Islamic Arts, Tabriz, Iran
2- Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz University of Islamic Arts, Tabriz, Iran
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Background
Urban tourism is emerging as one of the key models for the development of the global tourism industry. It is closely linked to concepts such as people-centeredness, social sustainability, and the role of religious values-such as Islamic realism-in policymaking and enhancing the satisfaction of host communities.
Previous Studies
Three main approaches have been identified in urban tourism policymaking: the capitalist approach, which emphasizes private investment and profitability (Hall & Page, 2014); the socialist approach, which highlights the active role of the state in promoting social justice (Scheyvens, 2002); and the environmentalist approach, which focuses on environmental sustainability (Baloch et al., 2023). Additionally, various social factors influencing urban tourism have been examined, such as cultural identity (Mahendra, 2024), social participation (Kim et al., 2021), social justice (Cole, 2006), and social security (Lotfi et al., 2014). On the physical dimension, the significance of public spaces and urban climate has also been analyzed (Gossling & Hall, 2020; Richards, 2011). On the other hand, several studies have explored variables such as service quality, customer engagement, and experiential marketing in understanding tourist behavior (Munawaroh et al., 2024). However, there is a lack of research linking religious concepts, such as Islamic realism, with the people-centered development of urban tourism-a gap that this study aims to address.
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of urban tourism, people-centeredness, and Islamic realism on tourists' willingness to choose Tabriz as a travel destination.
Research Type
This study is applied in nature, as its main objective was to address specific and tangible concerns and problems.
Research Society, Place, and Time
This research was conducted in 2024–2025 in the city of Tabriz. The statistical population included tourists who visited Tabriz during a specific time period and had urban tourism experiences.
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method in this study was purposive and based on the accessibility of tourists at the entry and exit points of Tabriz city (airport and bus terminal). The main selection criterion was having a real experience of urban tourism in Tabriz. Individuals whose experiences did not align with the study’s objectives were excluded. The sample size was determined to be 100 people, based on PLS methodology rules and considering the number of indicators and relationships in the model.
Used Devices & Materials
Data were collected using a 36-item questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was designed based on a systematic review of studies from 2013 to 2023 and using the methods of Sandelowski, Barroso, and CASP checklists. Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS version 3. To assess reliability, Cronbach's alpha and Composite Reliability (CR) were used, and for validity assessment, Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and the Fornell-Larcker criterion were employed.
Findings by Text
Based on the systematic review and meta-analysis, the research indicators were extracted in three main domains: tourism, user-friendliness (people-centeredness), and realism. These indicators were categorized into dimensions, components, and sub-indicators (Table 1). In the model evaluation phase using SmartPLS software, indicators with factor loadings below 0.3 were removed from the model; these included items from all three domains. After removing weak indicators, the Composite Reliability (CR) of all components was above 0.6 and the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) exceeded 0.5, indicating the model's adequacy for confirmatory factor analysis (Table 2). Discriminant validity was also confirmed using the Fornell-Larcker criterion, as the values on the diagonal were higher than the off-diagonal values (Table 3). Figure 1 presents the conceptual model structure, showing the relationships between latent and observed variables with their respective factor loadings. Path significance analysis using the bootstrap technique demonstrated that all variable relationships were statistically significant and positively influential. Specifically, realism had a direct effect on both "urban tourism" and "intention to visit Tabriz," and an indirect effect through "user-friendliness" (Table 4).
Table 1. Results of the systematic review of sources and categorization of dimensions, components, and indicators
Table 2. Cronbach’s Alpha, Composite Reliability (CR), Rho-A, and Convergent Validity (AVE) of components
Table 3. Discriminant validity based on Fornell–Larcker criterion
Table 4. Significance coefficients in the people-centered urban tourism model with an Islamic realism approach
Figure 1. Determinant factors in people-oriented urban tourism with a realism approach in Tabriz
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The present study, by integrating the concepts of user-friendliness, Islamic realism, and urban tourism, offers an innovative approach compared to previous research. Unlike studies such as Del Río-Vázquez et al. (2019) and Piuchan et al. (2018), which primarily focused on the economic or cultural dimensions of user-friendliness, this research introduced the ontological and epistemological dimensions of Islamic realism into the analysis. Furthermore, compared to quantitative studies focused on customer satisfaction and service quality in the hospitality industry [Munawaroh et al., 2024], this study highlighted the active role of local residents, cultural interactions, and ethical foundations in Islamic communities [Aman et al., 2019; Battour et al., 2011]. From a methodological perspective, the use of SEM and SmartPLS enhanced the precision of the analyses compared to traditional statistical methods and provided a basis for multidimensional and sustainable policy-making — a dimension rarely addressed in earlier studies [Sousa, 2018; Din Wani et al., 2024].
Suggestions
Based on the experiences gained, the following suggestions are proposed: comparing tourism across different seasons in Tabriz to examine variations in demand and tourist needs; conducting similar studies in other comparable destinations to investigate cultural differences and their impacts; and utilizing social media data analysis and online reviews to assess tourist satisfaction and challenges during their travel experiences.
Conclusion
The indicators of urban tourism, in order of priority, influence tourist-friendly factors and ultimately play a role in shaping tourists’ willingness to choose a destination. Islamic realism, in a synergistic manner, affects both tourists’ intention and the development of urban tourism at the destination. This results in enhanced interaction between the target community and tourism in the era of sustainability. Factors such as the attractiveness of tourism activities, quality of services, travel costs, historical monuments, adherence to ethical rules, and respect for the rights of others have the greatest impact on tourists’ willingness to choose Tabriz as their travel destination.
Acknowledgments: Nothing to declare.
Ethical Approval: Nothing to declare.
Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest regarding the writing and publication of this article.
Author Contributions: Rezaei M (First Author), Discussion Writer/Methodologist (50%); Balali Oskuei A (Second Author), Assistant Researcher/Statistical Analyst (30%); Keynejad M.A. (Third Author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (20%)
Funding: Nothing to declare.
Urban tourism is emerging as one of the key models for the development of the global tourism industry. It is closely linked to concepts such as people-centeredness, social sustainability, and the role of religious values-such as Islamic realism-in policymaking and enhancing the satisfaction of host communities.
Previous Studies
Three main approaches have been identified in urban tourism policymaking: the capitalist approach, which emphasizes private investment and profitability (Hall & Page, 2014); the socialist approach, which highlights the active role of the state in promoting social justice (Scheyvens, 2002); and the environmentalist approach, which focuses on environmental sustainability (Baloch et al., 2023). Additionally, various social factors influencing urban tourism have been examined, such as cultural identity (Mahendra, 2024), social participation (Kim et al., 2021), social justice (Cole, 2006), and social security (Lotfi et al., 2014). On the physical dimension, the significance of public spaces and urban climate has also been analyzed (Gossling & Hall, 2020; Richards, 2011). On the other hand, several studies have explored variables such as service quality, customer engagement, and experiential marketing in understanding tourist behavior (Munawaroh et al., 2024). However, there is a lack of research linking religious concepts, such as Islamic realism, with the people-centered development of urban tourism-a gap that this study aims to address.
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of urban tourism, people-centeredness, and Islamic realism on tourists' willingness to choose Tabriz as a travel destination.
Research Type
This study is applied in nature, as its main objective was to address specific and tangible concerns and problems.
Research Society, Place, and Time
This research was conducted in 2024–2025 in the city of Tabriz. The statistical population included tourists who visited Tabriz during a specific time period and had urban tourism experiences.
Sampling Method and Number
The sampling method in this study was purposive and based on the accessibility of tourists at the entry and exit points of Tabriz city (airport and bus terminal). The main selection criterion was having a real experience of urban tourism in Tabriz. Individuals whose experiences did not align with the study’s objectives were excluded. The sample size was determined to be 100 people, based on PLS methodology rules and considering the number of indicators and relationships in the model.
Used Devices & Materials
Data were collected using a 36-item questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was designed based on a systematic review of studies from 2013 to 2023 and using the methods of Sandelowski, Barroso, and CASP checklists. Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS version 3. To assess reliability, Cronbach's alpha and Composite Reliability (CR) were used, and for validity assessment, Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and the Fornell-Larcker criterion were employed.
Findings by Text
Based on the systematic review and meta-analysis, the research indicators were extracted in three main domains: tourism, user-friendliness (people-centeredness), and realism. These indicators were categorized into dimensions, components, and sub-indicators (Table 1). In the model evaluation phase using SmartPLS software, indicators with factor loadings below 0.3 were removed from the model; these included items from all three domains. After removing weak indicators, the Composite Reliability (CR) of all components was above 0.6 and the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) exceeded 0.5, indicating the model's adequacy for confirmatory factor analysis (Table 2). Discriminant validity was also confirmed using the Fornell-Larcker criterion, as the values on the diagonal were higher than the off-diagonal values (Table 3). Figure 1 presents the conceptual model structure, showing the relationships between latent and observed variables with their respective factor loadings. Path significance analysis using the bootstrap technique demonstrated that all variable relationships were statistically significant and positively influential. Specifically, realism had a direct effect on both "urban tourism" and "intention to visit Tabriz," and an indirect effect through "user-friendliness" (Table 4).
Table 1. Results of the systematic review of sources and categorization of dimensions, components, and indicators
Table 2. Cronbach’s Alpha, Composite Reliability (CR), Rho-A, and Convergent Validity (AVE) of components
Table 3. Discriminant validity based on Fornell–Larcker criterion
Table 4. Significance coefficients in the people-centered urban tourism model with an Islamic realism approach
Figure 1. Determinant factors in people-oriented urban tourism with a realism approach in Tabriz
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
The present study, by integrating the concepts of user-friendliness, Islamic realism, and urban tourism, offers an innovative approach compared to previous research. Unlike studies such as Del Río-Vázquez et al. (2019) and Piuchan et al. (2018), which primarily focused on the economic or cultural dimensions of user-friendliness, this research introduced the ontological and epistemological dimensions of Islamic realism into the analysis. Furthermore, compared to quantitative studies focused on customer satisfaction and service quality in the hospitality industry [Munawaroh et al., 2024], this study highlighted the active role of local residents, cultural interactions, and ethical foundations in Islamic communities [Aman et al., 2019; Battour et al., 2011]. From a methodological perspective, the use of SEM and SmartPLS enhanced the precision of the analyses compared to traditional statistical methods and provided a basis for multidimensional and sustainable policy-making — a dimension rarely addressed in earlier studies [Sousa, 2018; Din Wani et al., 2024].
Suggestions
Based on the experiences gained, the following suggestions are proposed: comparing tourism across different seasons in Tabriz to examine variations in demand and tourist needs; conducting similar studies in other comparable destinations to investigate cultural differences and their impacts; and utilizing social media data analysis and online reviews to assess tourist satisfaction and challenges during their travel experiences.
Conclusion
The indicators of urban tourism, in order of priority, influence tourist-friendly factors and ultimately play a role in shaping tourists’ willingness to choose a destination. Islamic realism, in a synergistic manner, affects both tourists’ intention and the development of urban tourism at the destination. This results in enhanced interaction between the target community and tourism in the era of sustainability. Factors such as the attractiveness of tourism activities, quality of services, travel costs, historical monuments, adherence to ethical rules, and respect for the rights of others have the greatest impact on tourists’ willingness to choose Tabriz as their travel destination.
Acknowledgments: Nothing to declare.
Ethical Approval: Nothing to declare.
Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest regarding the writing and publication of this article.
Author Contributions: Rezaei M (First Author), Discussion Writer/Methodologist (50%); Balali Oskuei A (Second Author), Assistant Researcher/Statistical Analyst (30%); Keynejad M.A. (Third Author), Introduction Writer/Discussion Writer (20%)
Funding: Nothing to declare.
Keywords:
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