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Open Access Article
1 - Exploring the Factors Involved in Increasing Attractiveness of Tourist Destinations
Ali Amiri mehrshad toulabi nejad Monirah GhofranIssue 26 , Vol. 12 , Summer 2024To support tourism development, it is necessary to consider the factors that help increase the appeal of tourist destinations, trying to portray a positive image of the destinations in the tourists’ minds. Therefore, this applied study sought to examine the factors invo MoreTo support tourism development, it is necessary to consider the factors that help increase the appeal of tourist destinations, trying to portray a positive image of the destinations in the tourists’ minds. Therefore, this applied study sought to examine the factors involved in increasing the appeal of tourist destinations in Poldokhtar County, Lorestan province, Iran, using a descriptive-analytic approach. The required data were collected through the administration of the researcher-developed questionnaire. The population of the study comprised fifty tourism experts and specialists who were selected through purposive sampling. Moreover, regression and binary logistics models (LM-Newton-Marcard-Rafson) were used to find answers to the research questions. The results of the study indicated that the diversity of job opportunities created by tourism products, cultural authenticity/natural assets, and tourism infrastructure were the most important factors involved in increasing the appeal of tourist attractions in Poldokhtar County. On the micro-structure level, the results suggested that the diversity of income-generating opportunities created by the development of tourism products, promotion of indigenous-local arts and handicrafts, the establishment of conference halls/ resorts to satisfy tourists, preservation of cultural/ historical and ancient attractions of Poldokhtar county, the development and improvement of tourism transport infrastructure, and the promotion and preservation of indigenous-local traditions were the most important indicators which could help increase the appeal of tourist attractions in Poldokhtar. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - Developing Contemporary Arts’ Tourism in Iran: Challenges and Requirements
Somayeh Momeni Nazanin Tabrizi Mohammad Hassan ZaalIssue 26 , Vol. 12 , Summer 2024As an emerging concept in tourism studies, “Contemporary Arts Tourism” is currently discussed within the framework of Cultural Tourism studies. The growing status of Arts Tourism in developed countries indicates the significance of art in a sustainable development proce MoreAs an emerging concept in tourism studies, “Contemporary Arts Tourism” is currently discussed within the framework of Cultural Tourism studies. The growing status of Arts Tourism in developed countries indicates the significance of art in a sustainable development process. The case also holds true for Iran. In this regard, the current status of the “Culture and Arts” and “Tourism” economy heralds a promising future as an alternative to the present economy that is based on oil and natural resources, considering the fact that the cultural capital required for such a development already exists. Therefore, this study sought to identify the challenges and requirements of developing contemporary art tourism in Iran using the grounded theory approach. To this end, the required data were collected through specialized interviews with twenty-seven participants, including art experts, tourism professionals, and relevant government employees. The collected data were then analyzed using three stages of coding, including open, axial, and selective coding. According to the study’s results, the government, the tourism sector, and the art society were identified as the main actors (stakeholders) in developing contemporary art tourism in Iran. However, as the concerted performance of such actors is crucially important for the realization of the goals of such a development, redefining the actors’ roles and revising their duties are the main requirements of such a development. Furthermore, factors such as training, flexibility, improvement of the artistic creation’s infrastructure, development of the tourism industry’s requirements, and correction of Iran's image in the international arena seem to be of great importance. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - Identifying and Prioritizing Factors Affecting Tourism Competitiveness in Tehran
Hossein Farhadikhah Keramatalah Zayyari saeed zanganeh Nasser RezaeiIssue 26 , Vol. 12 , Summer 2024While enjoying great tourism potential, Tehran has failed to attract tourists in proportion to such potential, making it necessary to identify, enhance, and introduce the potential. In this regard, as developing tourism and improving Tehran’s tourism competitiveness cou MoreWhile enjoying great tourism potential, Tehran has failed to attract tourists in proportion to such potential, making it necessary to identify, enhance, and introduce the potential. In this regard, as developing tourism and improving Tehran’s tourism competitiveness count as the main prerequisite for putting such potentials into practice, this applied study sought to identify the key factors involved in the tourism competitiveness of Tehran using the mixed method approach. To this end, the study identified, with the help of 15 experts in the relevant field, the most important factors involved in Tehran’s tourism competitiveness based on the indicators defined by the World Economic Forum using the Delphi technique. Then, a cross-impact questionnaire was applied to identify the main driving forces that influence the future of tourism in Tehran and its competitiveness. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using the MICMAC software. According to the study’s results, out of the 35 examined factors, 12 factors were selected as the key factors affecting Tehran’s tourism competitiveness which are as follows: developing state-backed prioritization of travel and tourism, enjoying international openness, revising prevailing laws and regulations to enhance tourism, improving the status of human resources and tourism labor market, making better use of cultural and natural resources, fostering communications with the world media, publicizing Tehran’s tourism attractions, branding Tehran in terms of tourism potentials, and introducing Tehran’s tourism potentials. . Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
4 - Identifying the Requirements and Challenges of Applying Social Manufacturing to Handicrafts
vahid sharifi Gholamreza Hashemzade Khorasgani Seyed Alireza Derakhshan Ashraf Shahmansouri Abotorab AlirezaeeIssue 26 , Vol. 12 , Summer 2024In today’s world, taking advantage of social capacities and national capabilities in manufacturing handicrafts requires the application of new state-of-the-arts production techniques. In this regard, social manufacturing is an emerging phenomenon that serves as a new pr MoreIn today’s world, taking advantage of social capacities and national capabilities in manufacturing handicrafts requires the application of new state-of-the-arts production techniques. In this regard, social manufacturing is an emerging phenomenon that serves as a new production ecosystem equipped with modern technologies and social networks. Therefore, this qualitative study sought to identify the requirements and challenges of applying social manufacturing to the production of handicrafts using the Grounded theory (Glaser method). To collect the required data, semi-structured interviews were made with twelve experts in the field of handicrafts and information technology who were selected through the purposive sampling method. The collected data were then analyzed using the MaxQda 10 software. On the other hand, the validity, transferability, reliability, and verifiability of the study were also measured to strengthen the findings. Finally, the collected data were analyzed through actual and theoretical coding. According to the study’s results, altering the manufacturing structure, fostering relationships with consumers, developing research and education, developing the infrastructures, and establishing production networks were identified as the main requirements of applying social manufacturing to the production of handicrafts. Moreover, the conceptual map of the study was drawn, including nine categories and twenty-nine sub-categories. The current study can fill a number of gaps existing in the application of social manufacturing in Iran. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - Designing a Model for Effective Strategic Factors in Attracting Investors to the Tourism Industry Using a Mixed-Method Approach
Arash Farhoudi Seyyed Mahmoud Shabgoo Monsef Ali Gholipour SoleymaniIssue 26 , Vol. 12 , Summer 2024As the goals outlined in the Iranian Strategic Tourism Development Policy Document cannot be realized without attracting financial resources, this study sought to design a model for effective strategic factors in attracting investors to the tourism industry in Ardabil MoreAs the goals outlined in the Iranian Strategic Tourism Development Policy Document cannot be realized without attracting financial resources, this study sought to design a model for effective strategic factors in attracting investors to the tourism industry in Ardabil province using the mixed-method approach. The population of the study at the qualitative phase comprised managers and officials of the Directorate General for Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism of the province, potential and real professionals and investors in tourism, and university experts with at least five years of experience in tourism management, investment, and marketing. The sample size of the study was selected through purposive sampling. To collect the required data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants of the study until theoretical saturation was achieved in the twenty-fifth interview. The collected data were then analyzed via systematic grounded theory using open, axial, and selective coding. Accordingly, fifty-four concepts, eighteen sub-categories, and seven main categories were found after the integration and classification of concepts. Based on the proposed model of the study, the investors’ tendency to invest in tourism, tourism environment, and investment attraction management, the quality of tourism infrastructure, social factors prevailing over the region, supportive measures, and strengthening the position of tourism were identified as the core category, causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategy, and the result of the implementation of strategies, respectively. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was developed by the researchers based on the identified components. Then, the questionnaire was administered to 220 investors and experts in the field of tourism. The collected data were then analyzed through the Smart PLS Software using structural equation modeling. Finally, the validity and correlation among the model’s variables were reconfirmed. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - Analyzing Ideological Attitudes of Modern Tourists Towards Visiting Natural Attractions: A Case Study of Tourists Visiting Western Kalate of Bastam District, Shahrood County
tahereh sadeghloo fahimeh jafari fahimeh karimiyanIssue 26 , Vol. 12 , Summer 2024This applied study sought to investigate the ideological bases and theoretical attitudes of tourists of modern tourists towards the environment and their behavior in this regard using a descriptive-analytical approach. The unit of analysis is the tourists who visited th MoreThis applied study sought to investigate the ideological bases and theoretical attitudes of tourists of modern tourists towards the environment and their behavior in this regard using a descriptive-analytical approach. The unit of analysis is the tourists who visited the Kharghan and Western Kalateh districts in Bastam district, Shahrood County. Due to the lack of accurate information on the number of tourists visiting the study area, the current study used Cochran's formula (applied in cases of unknown communities) to determine the sample size of the study. Accordingly, 140 tourists were selected, to whom a relevant questionnaire was administered. The results of the study indicated that the aesthetic-mental attitude of the tourists towards nature (with an average of 4.78) exerted the greatest influence on their behavior towards the environment, suggesting that most of the tourists do not seek economic benefits in visiting tourist areas. In other words, the tourists do not follow a utilitarian attitude in visiting nature. Moreover, the results revealed that the attitudes of professional tourists (those who are actively engaged in tourism) towards nature differ from those of non-professional tourists. According to the results of the t-test performed on two independent samples, women and men possess different ideological attitudes towards nature, making them behave differently towards the natural environment. Furthermore, a positive direct correlation was found between age and the ideological attitudes of tourists towards nature, indicating that the attitude towards nature changes with an increase in age, which in turn affects the behavior of tourists towards the environment. Manuscript profile
Most Viewed Articles
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Open Access Article
1 - Identifying and Prioritizing Different Aspects of Tourist's Experience Quality from Viewpoints of Foreign Tourists Traveled to Shiraz
mahdi farmani Mohammad ghaffari Navid Shafiei mostafa zandinasabIssue 17 , Vol. 9 , Spring_Summer 2021Nowadays, tourist experience and tourist destination choice are the main focal points in the tourism industry and tourism-related subjects addressed at universities. As modern tourists are value-oriented, tourist destinations could only be successful if they create valu MoreNowadays, tourist experience and tourist destination choice are the main focal points in the tourism industry and tourism-related subjects addressed at universities. As modern tourists are value-oriented, tourist destinations could only be successful if they create value for their visitors. Moreover, the Quality of tourists' experiences is a key competitive advantage for tourist destinations. This descriptive-survey study, therefore, sought to identify and prioritize different aspects of tourist experience quality from the viewpoint of tourists visiting Shiraz. The statistical population of this study comprised of those foreign tourists who visited Shiraz in April and May of 2019 and stayed at the Grand Hotel of Shiraz. To collect the required data, a questionnaire was administered on 400 visitors who were selected via convenience sampling. The questionnaire's construct validity was measured and approved by experts, and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's Alpha. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to identify different aspects of tourist experience quality and validate the identified aspects, respectively, using SPSS and LISREL software. Moreover, to prioritize the aspects, the Shannon Entropy method was implemented in EXCEL software. The study's findings indicated that tourist experience quality consisted of ten aspects. It was also found that perceived interactive experience ranked first in that list from the respondents' standpoint. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
2 - Creating a Sustainable Competitive Advantage in the Hotel Sector (The integrated approach of agency theory and Resource Based View)
محمدرضا فرزین mostafa mahmoudi mehdi karoubi akbar pourfarajIssue 14 , Vol. 7 , Autumn_Winter 2019This paper studied sustainable competitive advantage in competencies required by the hotel staff to ensure the permanent competitiveness of the hotels. The Resource-based View emphasizes the organizations need to attend internal resources, especially human resources. Th MoreThis paper studied sustainable competitive advantage in competencies required by the hotel staff to ensure the permanent competitiveness of the hotels. The Resource-based View emphasizes the organizations need to attend internal resources, especially human resources. The agency approach emphasizes on staff role-play and their interaction within the framework. This research was a developmental-applied and descriptive-quantitative survey. For data collection, we distributed a questionnaire of 73 questions among a random selection of 260 individuals, including the managers and the staff of five-star hotels in Tehran. Using the structural equation modeling, we analyzed the data in both the measuring model section and the structural section to examine the technical features and the research hypothesis, respectively. Findings showed positive and meaningful impacts of the action-framework variable on the competent actor, and the competent actor showed the same impacts on creating a sustainable competitive advantage in the forms of productive, process, and administrative innovations. Based on the results, there was a relationship between the factors of action framework (i.e., mental welfare, affirmative freedom grant, knowledge sharing, revolutionary leadership, organizational equality, providing psychological conventions) and inter-personal, intra-personal skills and managerial skills and organizational competence of the staff. Finally, the hotel managers in Iran were recommended to provide the groundwork for staff role-play and to design job-tests and performance-appraisal standards, based on the skills and competencies identified in this study. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
3 - Studding the Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Citizenship Behavior in hotel industry
شمس السادات زاهدی ebtehal zandiIssue 5 , Vol. 3 , Spring_Summer 2015 -
Open Access Article
4 - Typology of Cultural Tourism Action (Case Study: Mashhad pilgrims and tourists)
Sahar Eghbali Mozhgan Azimi Hashemi Hamed BakhshiIssue 6 , Vol. 3 , Autumn_Winter 2016This study analyzes different types of cultural tourism action and its influencing factors among the pilgrims and tourists in Mashhad. The authors’ theoretical approach is a combination of motivation, attitude and Bourdieu’s capital theory.In this research required data MoreThis study analyzes different types of cultural tourism action and its influencing factors among the pilgrims and tourists in Mashhad. The authors’ theoretical approach is a combination of motivation, attitude and Bourdieu’s capital theory.In this research required data were collected by means of a questionnaire with the sample size of 302, pilgrims and tourists, in Mashhad during March 2013(Iranian New Year holidays). Based on the research findings, the cultural tourists are divided into three categories: “specific cultural tourists” including tourists whose traveling aim is visiting cultural destination, “general cultural tourists” including tourists that during their travels, they will visit cultural destinations as well and “incidental cultural tourists” including tourists that accidentally and unknowingly will visit cultural destinations. Also, the results indicated that facilities will affect both attitudes and motivations toward cultural travel. Coefficient of determination model showed that the entered variables explain 45 % of the dependent variable variations (cultural travel action) and education level have the greatest effect on the variable of cultural travel action. Regarding the results, there are appropriate potential in order to promote cultural tourism, which will help tourists to gain more experiences while visiting cultural attractions and /or taking part in cultural events. Furthermore, it seems educated people are the main participants of this type of tourism. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
5 - Factors Affecting satisfaction and support of tourism in rural areas (Case study: Masjedsoleiman, Andika, and Lali Counties)
alireza ahmadiIssue 6 , Vol. 3 , Autumn_Winter 2016One of the effective factors in the process of developing tourism is to consider the host community in the tourism areas and their satisfaction of such activities. Success of each tourism project is required raising knowledge and determination of effective factors on sa MoreOne of the effective factors in the process of developing tourism is to consider the host community in the tourism areas and their satisfaction of such activities. Success of each tourism project is required raising knowledge and determination of effective factors on satisfaction and support of host community. Because of this, the study was aimed to determine the effective factors influencing the local residents’ satisfaction of tourism and also their support of this activity. In this research, a survey method was conducted. The population of this study includes all rural areas’ residents of Masjedsoleiman, Andika and Lali counties in Khuzestan province which benefits from Stratified random sampling with the sample size of 250. Data was collected by using questionnaires which its validity was confirmed by experts and its reliability was approved by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 0/63 to 0/92). The results of the correlation test showed that the residents’ satisfaction of tourist areas has a meaningful relation (0/1) with perceived quality (r = 0/342), perceived image (r = 0/178), and commitment (r = 0/481) variables; and residents’ support variable (r = 0/442) was significantly associated and has a meaningful relation (0/1) with the variables of perceived quality (0/5), perceived value (0/179), perceived image (r =0/328), commitment (r = 0/567) and satisfaction (r = 0/451). Moreover, the results of regression analysis indicated that the variables of commitment, satisfaction and perceived image could explain a total of 38/2 % of the variations in residents’ support, and also the variable of perceived quality could explain a total of 11.7 % of the variation in residents’ satisfaction. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
6 - The Impact of Green Human Resource Management on Environmental Performance of Hotel Employees
Abbas Ali Rastegar Mehdi Sabokro morteza Maleki Minbash Razgah hooshmand bagheri garbollaghIssue 14 , Vol. 7 , Autumn_Winter 2019Managing human resources in eco-friendly management of the hotels remains a relatively unexplored subject. The hotel industry is a sector that largely burdens the environment. Given the many environmental issues that the hotel industry created, sustainable business prac MoreManaging human resources in eco-friendly management of the hotels remains a relatively unexplored subject. The hotel industry is a sector that largely burdens the environment. Given the many environmental issues that the hotel industry created, sustainable business practices such as green human resource management is essential. This study examined the ways to improve employees’ eco-friendly behavior and hotels’ environmental performance through green human resource management. The paper followed an applied method with a descriptive-exploratory correlation approach. Exemplary samples of 236 hotel employees (concerned with environmental issues) were randomly selected in the cities of Tabriz, Tehran, and Mashhad. Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability were used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. To determine validity, we used convergent and divergent validity. The hypotheses of the research were tested using structural equation modeling. The findings showed that green human resource management had a positive and significant effect on the employees’ organizational commitment, eco-friendly behavior, and the hotels’ environmental performance. The organizational commitment, too, had a positive and significant effect on the employees’ eco-friendly behavior. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
7 - Evaluating the socio– cultural impact of tourism on the host community (case study: Baneh)
mehdi karoubi ساسان احمدی Mohammad rIssue 8 , Vol. 4 , Autumn_Winter 2016The presence of tourists at every country will influence the pattern of life, of the local people. Also, visitors will be affected by the culture and existing values of the host country. In this research, we studied the positive and negative effects of tourism developme MoreThe presence of tourists at every country will influence the pattern of life, of the local people. Also, visitors will be affected by the culture and existing values of the host country. In this research, we studied the positive and negative effects of tourism development on the host community. This research was conducted by survey method and benefited of schedule interview (Baneh households). The sample size of this research was 369 (people) and it was done through Multi-stage cluster sampling method. Cronbach's alpha was 70 percent which showed relatively a high reliability. Regression analysis has been considered for the data analysis and hypotheses testing. Analysis of the data, shows that the most efficient factor in prediction of dependent variable "change in the host community", is cultural change. After that, conspicuous consumption and cultural adaption have the highest influence on the host community attitude change. Cultural Commodification has lower effect on changing the host community attitude comparing to other indicators. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
8 - The effect of religious tourism on quality of life and social capital of rural households (Case Study: Bardy village, Dehloran County).
Javad AlibeigiIssue 6 , Vol. 3 , Autumn_Winter 2016Religious tourism is one of the oldest forms of tourism that has been considered by human beings which caused changes in the quality of life and social capital of the host society through changes between their interactions. This phenomenon is more obvious in third world MoreReligious tourism is one of the oldest forms of tourism that has been considered by human beings which caused changes in the quality of life and social capital of the host society through changes between their interactions. This phenomenon is more obvious in third world countries’ rural areas that are experiencing their early stages of tourism development. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of religious tourism on quality of life and social capital of rural households in Bardi village, Dehloran County. This is an applied research, which benefits from descriptive and analytical method. The data were collected by means of a questionnaire, interviews, observation and desk research while data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics method (Friedman and Wilcoxon tests). The study population was 165 households and 857 people of Bardy village according to 2011 census. Accordingly 102 households were chosen as sample size based on Cochran formula. Research findings show that religious tourism has affected and improved their quality of life in all aspects, including social, environmental (higher than average) and economical, physical (on average), also research findings regarding the social capital component shows that, after the expansion of religious tourism, social participation, social networks and social cohesion has improved, but the aspect of social trust has been reduced dramatically. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
9 - Consumer Behavior in E-Tourism Services
sakineh jafari Mohammad najjarzadeh rezvan Golestaneh narjes deyrgandomIssue 10 , Vol. 5 , Autumn_Winter 2017Today’s tourists are more dependent on the Internet than ever before to search for travel information. They share their travel experiences in cyberspace. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of travel stimulus variables, information search and the qualit MoreToday’s tourists are more dependent on the Internet than ever before to search for travel information. They share their travel experiences in cyberspace. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of travel stimulus variables, information search and the quality of electronic tourism services on the behavior of young consumers, aged 20 to 40 years. Participants included 182 young people from Tehran (46 male, 105 female), and were selected based on random sampling. Data were analyzed using the structural equation model with LISREL software. The findings showed that the motivation of travel had a significant indirect effect, through the quality of services, on the behavior of the users of electronic tourism services. The study found that the motivation to travel and search information indirectly and through the quality of service could affect the behavior of the consumer of electronic tourism services. Manuscript profile -
Open Access Article
10 - Identifying Goals of Strategic Alliances Case: Medical Tourism Businesses in Iran
Ali Asghar Shalbafian Hashem Aghazadeh hamid Reza Zargham Broujeni Ali HeidariIssue 12 , Vol. 6 , Autumn_Winter 20172018Strategic alliances stand among the most prominent collaborations between businesses. In service businesses such as tourism, due to heterogeneity in key elements, dominance of SMEs and high sensitivity of the industry regarding the environmental changes, strategic allia MoreStrategic alliances stand among the most prominent collaborations between businesses. In service businesses such as tourism, due to heterogeneity in key elements, dominance of SMEs and high sensitivity of the industry regarding the environmental changes, strategic alliances experienced more referrals. There seems to be no comprehensive study on how strategic alliances form in niche areas of tourism, like medical tourism, in Iran. This study focused on identifying the formation of strategic alliances among Iranian medical tourism businesses. Using snowball sampling, 17 experts in medical tourism were selected. Through semi-structured interviews, the data was gathered, and it was analyzed with MAXQDA10 software using theme analysis. Results showed that the goals behind the formation of medical tourism businesses could be categorized in eight key themes: 1) lifting legal barriers; 2) the contingencies of industry; 3) personal interests; 4) organizational goals; 5) customer-related goals; 6) strategic goals; 7) economic goals; 8) securing national interests. Manuscript profile
