The Role of Rural Tourism in Sustainable Rural Development: A Case Study of Shandiz Rural Region, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran

Abstract

Owing to the vital role of rural tourism in the resurgence of rural economies, rural settlements have been encouraged to incorporate it into their local economies. This paper examines the rural settlements around the metropolitan city of Mashhad in the northeast of Iran to determine the role of tourism in creating sustainable economic capacities in rural areas. Methods: The data were collected through a field study of 237 selected households to evaluate the research variables. Two models were applied to test the hypotheses. Results: It is shown that there are relationships among the variables and that rural tourism can lead to the expansion of sustainable capacities through economic diversification, entrepreneurship, and the production of local capital. Indeed, rural tourism is found as a central phenomenon that can create new opportunities in rural settlements. Conclusion: Rural tourism indirectly promotes rural sustainability. The promotion of diverse economic sectors is highly significant for building rural sustainable capacities.

Tourism Village and Impact on Labor Absorption in Jombang Regency

“…The number of Travel Bureau (BPW) businesses has a direct effect on employment. The results of this study are in line with studies [8], [12], [27]. This means that the existence of this BPW business is very important, because it has a direct and significant effect on employment.…”

“…The results of the study [7] indicate that the number of hotels, rooms, domestic tourists and foreign tourists has a significant effect on employment. Research [8] shows that there is a relationship between rural tourism and the diversification of business in the tourism sector. Research [9] shows that the number of hotels and restaurants has a positive but not significant effect on the workforce, the number of tourism objects has a positive and significant effect on the workforce, the number of tourists has a negative effect on the workforce.…”

Perspectives of rural tourism entrepreneurs in Italy, Spain, and Türkiye: A focus group study

“…Rural tourism, acting as an unconventional strategy for rural development, has been adopted by numerous rural communities as a mechanism of self-sustainability (Wilson et al, 2001). Moreover, rural tourism is crucial in rejuvenating rural economies and fostering sustainable economic opportunities within these areas (Moqadas, 2018). Therefore, incorporating cultural heritage into rural tourism products is essential for successful development and for fostering economic diversity in rural economies (Kruzmetra et al, 2013).…”