Tourism

This study is to identify the potential of tourism in areas that According to weaknesses of usual methods, the Discriminant analysis approach was used for this purpose. A method for combining the independent variables, to create a new variable that can be obtained using different variations. In order to have criteria for comparison, six another tourism regional information, entered in the analysis and differences between study areas examined. The dependent variable of this study is the planar variable of regions, in both tourist attraction areas and areas with tourism potential have been diagnosed. This method shows combines two or more independent variables that best explain the difference between two or more groups. The results showed that 25 variables of 33 study variables have no significant effect in attracting tourists and rate of them in control areas and areas of study were identical. Also, the 53.414 for detection indicator (between 0 to 100) was estimated tourist areas and areas with potential for tourism that is obtained from 8 variables of the notification, Reputation, awareness of people from regional, tourism service availability, quality of access reads, the route map existence, access to water for washing and access to drinking water. As results, four of the five target area has the potential for tourism.

Today, using new technologies is considered a vital factor in the sports tourism area. Tourist destinations try to use these technologies to create a competitive advantage to be a leader in this area. The use of these technologies brings lots of advantages. This research aims to identify the consequences of using new technologies in sports tourism. The research method is mixed with a sequential exploratory approach. In the first phase, the main indicators and components are identified using the online focus group research method, then in order to confirm them, a quantitative survey method was used. The data collection tools are semi-structured interviews collected from two focus groups including academic and executive participants related to the fields of sports management, sports tourism, and information technology. According to the research findings, 67 primary codes, 27 open codes, 13 axial codes, and 4 selective categories were extracted. In the quantitative phase of the research, all the values ​​related to the components and indicators were confirmed.  From the results of the present research, we can point out the benefits such as "smart health, smart sports tourism, green technologies, sustainable development (healthy and sustainable environment, dynamic and healthy economy, etc.), smart and sustainable sports tourism destinations" that were found to be the main advantages of using new technologies in sports tourism.

The Khasia communities living in the Moulvibazar district, which have a matriarchal family structure, famous for betel leaf farming and unique cultural heritage, has been impacted by tourism. This study explores the impacts of tourism on their cultural practices, economic conditions, and social dynamics from different aspects and identifies long-term strategies for cultural preservation. Fieldwork was conducted in four Khasia villages in Moulvibazar to collect essential data and observe the participants’ reactions. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and Focus group discussions with thematic analysis using Quirkos software. Expert secondary data were used to back up the conclusions. Tourism has provided several economic opportunities like improved infrastructure and new sources of revenue; some villages are planning to use tourism to show and promote their true cultural heritage via eco-tourism and social media platforms. However, there are several challenges, and cultural commodification, environmental pollution, and social conflicts are the main concerns. Deforestation is creating a disturbance in their livelihood as they are highly dependent on nature. Some tourists also demand commercialization which is harming their cultural authenticity. Tourism presents both benefits and threats for the Khasia community. Sustainable tourism practices and community-led policies are important to strike a balance between economic benefits and cultural preservation. Long-term development can be ensured while safeguarding heritage and the environment if the Khasia people are given the power to manage their cultural representation.

Wellness tourism represents the intersection of a powerful lifestyle trend and a growing global industry. The purpose of this study is to design a pattern of wellness tourism with socio-cultural approach to improve the tourist’s health in (Baraghan Alborz village). In order to conduct the research, a Mixed Method has been used. The statistical population includes experts in the fields of tourism, health tourism, spiritual health, psychoanalysts and psychologists (qualitative part) and in the quantitative part, tourists of Baraghan Alborz village   period of July to August 2024 are considered. The size of the sample was determined in the qualitative method by the logical method of theoretical and judgmental sampling and until the theoretical saturation was reached, a total of 12 people, and in the quantitative part, 384 tourists (n = 384) were serveyed. For sampling, random sampling method was used. In the qualitative section using semi-structured interviews and Qualitative data coding was done in order to identify the components of wellness tourism in improving the health of tourists in Baraghan Alborz village, by theme analysis method. The questionnaire data were analyzed using factor analysis techniques with SPSS 26 software to assess the impact of the identified components. The findings indicate that the model of wellness tourism in improving the health of tourists, consists of 11 sub-themes, quality management of the wellness tourism destination, the necessity of linking science with wellness tourism, nature, physical dimension, mental dimension, social dimension and spiritual dimension, professional and expert team work, training and empowerment, nostalgia and memory-making, the characteristics of the unique wellness tourism model. Additionally, 7 main categories including destination management, the necessity of linking science with wellness tourism, nature, physical dimension, mental dimension, social dimension and spiritual dimension, which have the greatest impact in improving  the health of tourists in Baraghan village,has been achieved.The development of wellness tourism, while introducing Baraghan as a wellness tourism destination ,not only helps to improve the health of the community and tourists (which is one of the basic pillars of a healthy society), but also can create a sustainable livelihood for local communities and is focused on the support  and protection of natural, cultural and historical resources. By increasing the participation of local people in related activities and businesses, while expanding employment, it brought countless economic benefits to the tourist destination and ultimately country.

Trust is a cornerstone of human interaction, underpinning cooperation and participation and functioning as an essential element in the fabric of social life. It facilitates broader collaboration and interaction across diverse social dimensions. In the context of religious tourism, where individuals travel for pilgrimage and spiritual enrichment, trust plays a significant role in fostering intercultural communication and mutual understanding. This article investigates the correlation between the expansion of religious tourism and social trust, specifically focusing on the city of Shiraz, a prominent destination for religious tourists. Employing an applied and descriptive-analytical research approach, the study utilizes both field and library research methods. The target population comprises religious tourists visiting Shiraz. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, with Cronbach's alpha values exceeding 0.7 for all variables, confirming the reliability of the research instrument. The study's findings indicate that a substantial majority (90%) of religious tourists exhibit a moderate to high level of social trust, with an even greater proportion (94%) expressing a moderate to high inclination to revisit Shiraz. Furthermore, a direct and significant correlation exists between social trust and revisit intention. Statistical analysis suggests that approximately 38% of the variance in revisit intention can be attributed to elevated levels of social trust. Social trust plays multifaceted roles in social and economic spheres, contributing to tourist attraction, community education, promotional program diversification, and the presentation of cultural, religious, and architectural heritage. The research underscores that heightened social trust has a direct, positive impact on tourists' willingness to return to religious sites in Shiraz. This research is innovative in addressing the role of social trust in attracting religious tourists, an area that has received limited scholarly attention. The study's findings can serve as a foundation for future investigations into the intersection of religious tourism and social dynamics, particularly the role of social factors in the industry's development.

This study examines the impacts of rising temperatures and urban development on the city of Isfahan, with a specific focus on how these changes affect urban centers and tourism. Climate change, characterized by increasing temperatures, poses significant challenges to the sustainability of urban environments. This research explores the consequences of temperature rise on urban form and the subsequent implications for tourism management. By analyzing urban development patterns, particularly in the context of expanding urban areas and their impact on historical centers, the study emphasizes the need for adaptive strategies that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Quantitative method used to analyze meteorological data, and the city’s development maps have been analyzed by using GIS. The findings highlight that, with the city’s expansion, especially after 2001, the overall temporature has increased, affecting the center of Isfahan. This is primarily due to most of the expansion occurring in the west, which aligns with the prevailing meteorogical direction.

Purpose- Coastal regions are some of the most popular tourism destinations worldwide and tourism can be a promising tool for enhancing dimensions of social-cultural resilience. The more resilient a community is to sudden, unexpected, or chronic economic, political, social, and environmental (negative) events, the less vulnerable it is to these disruptions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of socio-cultural resilience dimensions of coastal regions on sustainable tourism development in coastal regions of Bushehr, Iran.  Design/methodology/approach- This study is applied in terms of its objective and is correlational-descriptive in nature. Based on the type of data collected and analyzed, it is a quantitative study. The target population comprised 1686 socio-cultural experts involved in tourism development in Bushehr City. A sample of 313 participants was selected using random sampling, based on Cochran's formula. The study utilized two questionnaires: a Sustainable Tourism Development questionnaire and a Socio-Cultural Resilience questionnaire. Smart Plus and SPSS software version 26, and parametric, and nonparametric statistical tests were used to analyze the findings. Findings- The results showed a significant positive relationship between socio-cultural resilience in coastal regions and the level of tourism development in Bushehr Province. The regression coefficient for the impact of sociocultural resilience on tourism development as a dependent variable was 0.767. The regression coefficients for the cultural, environmental, economic, and social dimensions were 0.713, 0.839, 0.773, and 0.611, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R²) for sustainable tourism development was 0.589, indicating that 58.9% of the variance in sustainable tourism development in coastal areas can be explained by sociocultural resilience. The R² values ​​for the cultural, environmental, economic and social dimensions were 0.508 (50.8%), 0.703 (70.3%), 0.597 (59.7%) and 0.373 (37.3%), respectively. Practical implications- The results of this study have significant implications for the development of public policies related to sustainable tourism. In conclusion, given the diverse tourism opportunities and potentials of Bushehr Province in coastal areas, especially in the field of water and coastal sports, tourism managers and planners as well as researchers and scientists must show the necessary commitment to the formation and development of this industry through proper planning and determining appropriate strategies. It concludes by presenting some policy-making guidelines for a tourism destination manager.

In recent decades, tourism has played a significant role in the economies of many countries. One of the crucial elements in tourism is souvenir shopping. However, there is no research exploring Afghan souvenir shopping behavior. In addition, there is no research analysis of legal and illegal shoppers. The main objective of the present study is to identify the factors influencing Afghan immigrants’ selection of souvenirs, as well as to compare and analyze the purchasing behavior of legal and illegal Afghan immigrants. The research method employed in the current study is a qualitative approach with a semi-structured interview technique. Interviews were conducted with 45 individuals, including legal and illegal Afghan immigrants, comprising tourists, traders, students, and workers traveling to Iran. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. According to the research findings, the influential factors on souvenir selection by legal immigrants include: "Tourism-Centric Nature of Souvenirs", "Needs and Expectations", "Diverse Shopping Styles", "Cultural and Ethnic Lenses", "Ethical Considerations", and "Real and Virtual Worlds”. Additionally, the influential factors of souvenir selection by illegal immigrants include: "Economic Conditions", "Purchase Motivation", "Affordability", "Collective Shopping Style", "Cultural and Ethnic Lenses", "Ethical Considerations", and "Real World Influence". Finally, it offers a comparison of purchasing behavior between legal and illegal societies. This study adds to the current body of knowledge by exploring a novel context.

Entrepreneurship serves as a pivotal solution to address the economic challenges faced by nations. Given the positive impacts of tourism activities in rural areas, experts recognize it as a cultural instrument for fostering entrepreneurship in villages. This study aims to develop a strategic entrepreneurship model for the rural tourism industry through a cultural lens. Employing a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) with grounded theory, the research gathered quantitative data from a statistical population of 384 participants, while qualitative insights were derived from 20 semi-structured interviews. Data analysis utilized SPSS25 for structural exploration and AMOS for composite reliability (CR) assessment via structural equation modeling. Key findings identified causal factors (e.g., value creation in rural tourism, effective rural tourism promotion, risk-taking, self-efficacy, and innovation among villagers and farmers), contextual factors (e.g., cultural interactions, awareness of cultural heritage, cultural development, and cultural education), intervening factors (e.g., environmental-regional infrastructure, social dynamics, and motivational drivers), and strategic pillars (e.g., essential R&D, organizational support, and management planning). The implementation of these strategies yielded outcomes such as rural income diversification, enhanced competitiveness of small businesses, employment generation, and increased productivity and revenue growth. This study concludes that a culturally informed approach to rural tourism entrepreneurship offers a novel strategy for rural economic development, effectively diversifying income sources and fostering sustainable progress.

Takht-e Foulad in Isfahan stands as a significant tourist destination, embodying Iran’s rich spiritual, cultural, religious, and historical heritage. While primarily recognized as a cemetery, its diverse tourism aspects position it as a prominent cultural complex with the potential to serve as a “cultural tourism theme park.” This study examines the complex’s role in Isfahan’s tourism development through a spiritual lens, based on quantitative research conducted from autumn 2021 to summer 2022. Data collection methods included documentary research, library resources, and questionnaires. Analytical findings highlight an inherent spirituality within the Takht-e Foulad Complex, necessitating a holistic approach that integrates the perspectives of tourists, the site, and the local community. The study categorizes the complex’s tourism dimensions into heritage, religious, and event tourism, aiming to craft a spiritually-oriented tourism strategy that contributes to Isfahan’s broader tourism development. The final model presents practical recommendations and strategies to promote spirituality while advancing tourism within the Takht-e Foulad Complex.

Intentionality is a form of received and perceptual awareness through which humans relate to their geographical lifeworld. This awareness is acquired both objectively and, at times, subjectively, and is shaped through various mediating factors. In the context of urban tourism, the structure of such intentionality is grounded in phenomenological and post-phenomenological approaches, emerging from the relational dynamics between humans and tourism elements. The present study aims to explore the manner and conditions of tourists' intentional perception—tourists being positioned as the observer (subject) toward tourism artifacts and sites—considered as the observed (object). The research methodology is qualitative, based on phenomenological and post-phenomenological perspectives, and employs semi-structured interviews conducted with tourists in the city of Zanjan.Data were analyzed using the grounded theory model, involving open, axial, and selective coding. The resulting categories were interpreted and classified within the contextual framework of factors, mediators, and symbols of intentionality. Findings indicate that tourists’ awareness and understanding differ between initial (prior) and subsequent (posterior) stages of intentionality and follow a developmental trajectory. Categories such as attractions, religion, handicrafts, traditional markets, contemporary history, and mummification—which characterized the initial stage—give way in the subsequent stage to religion, culture and beliefs, architecture and identity, history and civilization, diversity of heritage, and heritage preservation, reflecting a shift in the mental structure of perception. As a result, touristic intentionality is influenced by direct observation, length of stay, and various intermediating factors (such as services, support systems, interpretation, and guidance). Ultimately, it is a function of the volume and quality of information received from the objects (tourism elements) through the mediating role of the subjects (tourists).