Strategic Analysis of Paths to Achieve Sustainable Development of Rural Tourism (Case Study: Boyer Ahmad County)

Authors
S. E. Seidaiy 1
H. sadeghi 2
E. Daneshzadeh 3
1 Department of Geography and Rural Planning, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
3 Geography and Tourism Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
10.48311/psp.7.3.21
Abstract
The rural areas of Boyer-Ahmad County, with their historical background, tourist resources, and significant natural attractions, represent one of the country's important potential tourism bases. Achieving this status first requires identifying the existing capabilities, obstacles, and challenges facing rural tourism development in this region. The research follows a descriptive-analytic methodology, with data gathered through both library research and field studies. The study area comprises villages with tourism potential across Boyer-Ahmad County. The research population consists of 30 tourism experts familiar with Boyer-Ahmad County. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire whose validity and reliability were confirmed. The results indicate that the most significant strength is the presence of numerous tourism attractions and potentials at national and international levels (weight: 0.316); the primary weakness lies in the low quantity and quality of services and lack of proper infrastructure, especially in catering and accommodation facilities like hotels (weight: 0.202); the most important opportunity involves strengthening the provision of facilities near tourist attractions (weight: 0.230); the most substantial threat comes from administrative bureaucracy and lack of government permits for developing tourism equipment and facilities in the region (weight: 0.191); these findings demonstrate that while the rural areas of Boyer-Ahmad County possess very high tourism attraction potential, realizing this potential requires appropriate policy-making and implementation by responsible organizations.

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