Development of a Tourism Management Model for Island Cities. (A Case Study of Kish Island)

Extended Abstract

Introduction

As a dynamic sector with distinctive and unique characteristics, the tourism industry plays a pivotal role in the economic and productive activities of both developed and developing countries. Among the critical issues that tourism planners emphasize is carrying capacity, which assesses the extent to which a destination can accommodate tourists without compromising its resources or quality of experience. This evaluation is particularly vital for coastal areas, where environmental and infrastructural limitations are more pronounced. In Iran, the beaches of the Persian Gulf and its islands have long been a focal point for both domestic and international tourists. Among these destinations, Kish Island holds a prominent position due to its designation as a free trade zone and its proximity to Gulf countries, attracting a significant number of visitors annually. Strategically located in the southern part of Iran, near the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Kish Island serves as a major hub for recreational and economic tourism. Its well-developed recreational and sports facilities along the beaches, extensive shopping centers, and free trade zone infrastructure draw thousands of tourists from within and beyond Iran each year. Notably, the availability of coastal recreational and sports amenities has positioned Kish as one of the leading coastal tourism destinations in both Iran and the region. This research explores a management model tailored for coastal cities to facilitate sustainable tourism development. It also seeks to analyze thestrengths and weaknesses of coastal tourism development in Iran, with a particular focus on Kish Island. This study aspires to contribute meaningfully to advancing tourism on Kish Island by identifying effective strategies and management approaches.



Methodology

This research is descriptive in terms of its objective; it employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data; it is field-based in terms of its execution location; it is a cross-sectional study in terms of the time period; it utilizes a survey method for data collection; and it relies on the Delphi technique for qualitative analysis and the use of questionnaires and structural equation modeling for quantitative analysis. The questionnaire was designed based on the variables under investigation and developed using the Delphi technique. It was evaluated through a pilot test to assess its reliability and, upon approval, distributed among the statistical sample. The statistical population includes tourists, residents, and tourism experts on Kish Island. The sample size was determined to be 300 individuals for each of the first two groups and 50 individuals for the third group, selected using a purposive random sampling method. The data were analyzed using statistical software such as SPSS and Smart-PLS, as well as content analysis. Additionally, correlation methods and structural equation modeling were employed to examine the relationships between the variables.



Results and discussion

In order to achieve sustainable tourism development on Kish Island, it is essential to consider all dimensions and design tourism management policies and programs that account for these interrelationships. This approach should encompass infrastructure investments, enhancement of social and cultural services, and environmental preservation to attain balanced and sustainable development. The findings of this study underscore the significance and reciprocal impact of various dimensions of tourism development management on Kish Island. Data analysis revealed that the social and cultural dimensions correlate with managerial and infrastructural dimensions. This suggests that improving social and cultural services can have a direct effect on the quality of tourism management and infrastructure. In other words, enhancing cultural and recreational facilities can enrich tourists' experiences, consequently attracting more visitors. Moreover, the results indicate that the environmental and natural dimension plays a crucial role in sustainable tourism development. The strong correlation between the managerial and infrastructural dimensions with the environmental and natural dimensions highlights that appropriate infrastructure for protecting natural resources not only aids in environmental conservation but can also serve as a draw for tourists. This emphasizes the necessity of investing in environmental infrastructure to achieve sustainable tourism development on Kish Island. Finally, the research demonstrates that social and cultural aspects also significantly influence the economic and capital dimensions.



Conclusion

The findings of this study reveal the intricate and interconnected impacts of various dimensions of tourism development management on Kish Island. The analysis indicates that the socio-cultural dimensionserves as a cornerstone of tourism development. Enhancing social and cultural services, such as organizing cultural and artistic events, can significantly improve tourists' experiences, thereby increasing the island's appeal to visitors. These results underscore the importance of addressing tourists' cultural needs and preferences as a key strategy for attracting a larger number of visitors. In addition to the socio-cultural dimension, the findings highlight the critical role of environmental and natural factors in the success of tourism management. Establishing adequate infrastructure for the preservation of natural resources and environmental protection not only safeguards the island's natural beauty but also acts as a vital driver for attracting tourists. On Kish Island, where unspoiled landscapes and natural resources are among its primary attractions, investing in sustainable environmental infrastructure is essential to ensure these resources are utilized responsibly. Furthermore, the results emphasize that socio-cultural factors closely influence economic and financial dimensions. Increased investment in social and cultural initiatives can foster economic growth and boost tourism revenues. Therefore, achieving sustainable development in Kish Island's tourism sector requires a holistic approach that simultaneously addresses all dimensions. Policies must be designed to account for the interdependencies between these dimensions, ensuring a balanced and integrated strategy. Such a comprehensive approach can pave the way for an effective and sustainable tourism management model tailored to Kish Island's unique context.

Keywords

Tourism management, tourism infrastructure, sustainable development, island tourism, Kish Island