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Volume 40, Issue 1 (2025)
GeoRes 2025, 40(1): 31-40 |
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Received: 2024/11/6 | Accepted: 2024/12/13 | Published: 2025/01/21
Received: 2024/11/6 | Accepted: 2024/12/13 | Published: 2025/01/21
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Gol Mohammadi M, Karkeh Abadi Z, Kamyabi S. Indicators Influencing Sustainable Tourism Development. GeoRes 2025; 40 (1) :31-40
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1- Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran
2- Department of Geography, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran
2- Department of Geography, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran
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Background
In the 21st century, tourism is recognized as one of the main tools for development and improving quality of life. This industry, especially in less-developed areas, can serve as an effective economic alternative. Sustainable tourism development requires a balance between economic, social, and environmental interests.
Previous Studies
Previous studies indicate that tourism has been recognized as a tool for economic, social, and environmental development in many countries. Buhalis et al. (2023) define sustainable tourism as a process that contributes to improving the quality of life in host communities and preserving natural resources. Aitieva et al. (2022), emphasizing long-term sustainability, argue that tourism development requires a balance between exploitation and environmental preservation. Farhadikhah et al. (2022) highlight the role of tourism in generating income, employment, and wealth in less-developed countries. Additionally, Zaheri & Rezvani (2022) and Khajehnabi et al. (2021) stress the importance of government approaches and policymaking in promoting sustainable tourism development. Tahiri & Kovaci (2017) also emphasize the need for alignment among economic, social, and environmental dimensions in tourism planning, introducing theoretical frameworks such as the sustainability tripod model.
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to identify the key indicators influencing the sustainable tourism development of Sarakhs County.
Research Type
This study was applied in terms of its objective and descriptive-analytical in terms of its nature and methodology.
Research Society, Place, and Time
This study was conducted in 2024 in the city of Sarakhs. The statistical population of this research included tourism experts and specialists, government officials in the tourism sector, local residents of Sarakhs, as well as visitors to the region's tourist attractions.
Sampling Method and Number
or tourism experts and specialists, whose number was limited (40 individuals), a census method was applied. However, for the local residents of Sarakhs, a sample of 384 individuals was selected with a 95% confidence level.
Used Devices & Materials
The main data collection tool in this research was a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: the first section aimed to gather demographic information from the respondents (age, gender, education, experience in tourism), and the second section included 30 questions related to the indicators of sustainable tourism development (environmental, economic, cultural, social). The questionnaire was designed using a five-point Likert scale, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 25. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.86.
Findings by Text
The indicators and sub-indicators of sustainable tourism development across five dimensions of environmental, economic, cultural, social, and managerial had varying importance and priorities for the two groups: experts and local residents (Table 1). The results of the independent t-test indicated significant differences in viewpoints across many of the indicators (Table 2). In the environmental dimension, experts placed the most importance on sub-indicators such as "natural resource conservation," "water quality," and "waste reduction," while local residents focused more on "air quality" and "use of clean vehicles." In the economic dimension, experts emphasized job creation, job sustainability, and attracting investment, while local residents prioritized "fair distribution of income" and livelihood issues. In the cultural-social dimension, experts highlighted the preservation of local culture and enhancing cultural identity, whereas local residents were more concerned with improving quality of life, healthcare services, and transportation. In the managerial dimension, experts considered sustainable planning and natural resource management to be vital, while local residents showed less sensitivity to these matters.
Table 1. Indicators and Sub-Indicators Affecting the Sustainable Tourism Development of Sarakhs County
Table 2. Differences in Views of Experts and Local Residents Regarding the Indicators and Sub-Indicators Affecting the Tourism Development of Sarakhs County (Based on Independent t-Test Results)
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
In the present study, the findings were compared with the results of previous studies in similar regions, including Sari, national parks, and developing countries such as Indonesia and South Africa. Similar to the study by Pour Ahmad et al. (2016) in Sari, a clear difference was observed in Sarakhs between the perspectives of experts and local residents regarding environmental indicators. In both cases, local residents placed greater emphasis on economic benefits, while experts focused on natural resource conservation. Additionally, as seen in studies conducted in ecotourism [Matarazzo et al., 2022], the necessity of local community participation in decision-making was emphasized. Comparison with global research also indicated that the success of sustainable tourism depends on government support, structured planning, and investment in infrastructure [Hendrati et al., 2024; Krozer et al., 2007; González-García et al., 2022]. Furthermore, similar to successful models in South Africa [Dorcas, 2008], fair income distribution in Sarakhs can also increase community support for sustainable tourism. These comparisons suggest that the findings from Sarakhs align with successful global trends and patterns.
Suggestions
To achieve sustainable tourism development, it is recommended that participatory governance models be designed and implemented with the active involvement of all stakeholders. Additionally, the implementation of educational programs aimed at raising awareness among local communities about sustainable practices can create a foundation for more effective participation.
Conclusion
The development of sustainable tourism in Sarakhs County is primarily influenced by managerial factors, especially sustainable planning and government support. Additionally, the protection of natural resources and the strengthening of economic and cultural infrastructure play a decisive role in achieving sustainable tourism.
Acknowledgments: None declared by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None declared by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: This article is based on the thesis of the first author.
Authors' Contributions: Gol Mohammadi M (First Author), Introduction Writer/Methodologist/Discussion Writer (40%); Karkeh Abadi Z (Second Author), Discussion Writer /Methodologist (30%); Kamyabi S (Third Author), Introduction Writer /Discussion Writer (30%).
Funding: None declared by the authors.
In the 21st century, tourism is recognized as one of the main tools for development and improving quality of life. This industry, especially in less-developed areas, can serve as an effective economic alternative. Sustainable tourism development requires a balance between economic, social, and environmental interests.
Previous Studies
Previous studies indicate that tourism has been recognized as a tool for economic, social, and environmental development in many countries. Buhalis et al. (2023) define sustainable tourism as a process that contributes to improving the quality of life in host communities and preserving natural resources. Aitieva et al. (2022), emphasizing long-term sustainability, argue that tourism development requires a balance between exploitation and environmental preservation. Farhadikhah et al. (2022) highlight the role of tourism in generating income, employment, and wealth in less-developed countries. Additionally, Zaheri & Rezvani (2022) and Khajehnabi et al. (2021) stress the importance of government approaches and policymaking in promoting sustainable tourism development. Tahiri & Kovaci (2017) also emphasize the need for alignment among economic, social, and environmental dimensions in tourism planning, introducing theoretical frameworks such as the sustainability tripod model.
Aim(s)
The aim of this study was to identify the key indicators influencing the sustainable tourism development of Sarakhs County.
Research Type
This study was applied in terms of its objective and descriptive-analytical in terms of its nature and methodology.
Research Society, Place, and Time
This study was conducted in 2024 in the city of Sarakhs. The statistical population of this research included tourism experts and specialists, government officials in the tourism sector, local residents of Sarakhs, as well as visitors to the region's tourist attractions.
Sampling Method and Number
or tourism experts and specialists, whose number was limited (40 individuals), a census method was applied. However, for the local residents of Sarakhs, a sample of 384 individuals was selected with a 95% confidence level.
Used Devices & Materials
The main data collection tool in this research was a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: the first section aimed to gather demographic information from the respondents (age, gender, education, experience in tourism), and the second section included 30 questions related to the indicators of sustainable tourism development (environmental, economic, cultural, social). The questionnaire was designed using a five-point Likert scale, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 25. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.86.
Findings by Text
The indicators and sub-indicators of sustainable tourism development across five dimensions of environmental, economic, cultural, social, and managerial had varying importance and priorities for the two groups: experts and local residents (Table 1). The results of the independent t-test indicated significant differences in viewpoints across many of the indicators (Table 2). In the environmental dimension, experts placed the most importance on sub-indicators such as "natural resource conservation," "water quality," and "waste reduction," while local residents focused more on "air quality" and "use of clean vehicles." In the economic dimension, experts emphasized job creation, job sustainability, and attracting investment, while local residents prioritized "fair distribution of income" and livelihood issues. In the cultural-social dimension, experts highlighted the preservation of local culture and enhancing cultural identity, whereas local residents were more concerned with improving quality of life, healthcare services, and transportation. In the managerial dimension, experts considered sustainable planning and natural resource management to be vital, while local residents showed less sensitivity to these matters.
Table 1. Indicators and Sub-Indicators Affecting the Sustainable Tourism Development of Sarakhs County
Table 2. Differences in Views of Experts and Local Residents Regarding the Indicators and Sub-Indicators Affecting the Tourism Development of Sarakhs County (Based on Independent t-Test Results)
Main Comparisons to Similar Studies
In the present study, the findings were compared with the results of previous studies in similar regions, including Sari, national parks, and developing countries such as Indonesia and South Africa. Similar to the study by Pour Ahmad et al. (2016) in Sari, a clear difference was observed in Sarakhs between the perspectives of experts and local residents regarding environmental indicators. In both cases, local residents placed greater emphasis on economic benefits, while experts focused on natural resource conservation. Additionally, as seen in studies conducted in ecotourism [Matarazzo et al., 2022], the necessity of local community participation in decision-making was emphasized. Comparison with global research also indicated that the success of sustainable tourism depends on government support, structured planning, and investment in infrastructure [Hendrati et al., 2024; Krozer et al., 2007; González-García et al., 2022]. Furthermore, similar to successful models in South Africa [Dorcas, 2008], fair income distribution in Sarakhs can also increase community support for sustainable tourism. These comparisons suggest that the findings from Sarakhs align with successful global trends and patterns.
Suggestions
To achieve sustainable tourism development, it is recommended that participatory governance models be designed and implemented with the active involvement of all stakeholders. Additionally, the implementation of educational programs aimed at raising awareness among local communities about sustainable practices can create a foundation for more effective participation.
Conclusion
The development of sustainable tourism in Sarakhs County is primarily influenced by managerial factors, especially sustainable planning and government support. Additionally, the protection of natural resources and the strengthening of economic and cultural infrastructure play a decisive role in achieving sustainable tourism.
Acknowledgments: None declared by the authors.
Ethical Permission: None declared by the authors.
Conflict of Interest: This article is based on the thesis of the first author.
Authors' Contributions: Gol Mohammadi M (First Author), Introduction Writer/Methodologist/Discussion Writer (40%); Karkeh Abadi Z (Second Author), Discussion Writer /Methodologist (30%); Kamyabi S (Third Author), Introduction Writer /Discussion Writer (30%).
Funding: None declared by the authors.
Keywords:
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