Assessment of Tourist Attractions Impact on Strengthening the Tourism Axis of Ziarat, Gorgan City

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

A B S T R A C T
Ziarat tourist, due to its cool and moderate climate, unique landscapes, beautiful forests, excellent tourism and recreational facilities, and its close proximity to Gorgan city, offers fascinating ecological landscapes and various cultural, historical, and socio-economic attractions. This village is considered one of the significant natural-historical and tourist areas of Gorgan city. The aim of the current research is to investigate and determine the tourist attractions located in Ziarat in order to develop strategic plans and enhance tourism. The research approach is of an applied-developmental nature, and the method of investigation is descriptive-analytical. To gather the required information, a combination of library research and fieldwork (questionnaire) methods has been utilized. For data analysis and testing the research variables, SPSS statistical software has been used alongside t-tests, and the Amos software has been employed for structural equation modeling. The results of the t-test indicate that the historical-architectural index possesses a higher level, while the infrastructure index has a lower level compared to other tourism indices. The results of the structural equation modeling (Amos) indicate that the environmental attractions dimension has the highest factor loading of 0.90, followed by the cultural attractions dimension, and then the physical-historical attractions dimension. The infrastructure dimension has played the most significant role in explaining the tourist attractions' appeal to residents and experts in Ziarat
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Tourism activity is a phenomenon that has been of interest for the past decades due to having many recreational resources and proper access. In such a way that the United Nations has recognized tourism activity as one of the main tools of economic development, employment, and a source of earning a higher income. Therefore, recognizing the importance and capacity of tourism in national development strategy and global planning is very important. Since the early 80s, the Ziarat tourism area has been attracting the attention of city dwellers and tourists due to its cool and moderate climate, unique landscape, beautiful forests, privileged tourist and resort location, and a short distance to Gorgan city. Due to its potential natural resources and capabilities, environmental capabilities, and necessary capacities, this region has made it suitable for any planning, especially in various tourism sectors, and it has created employment and improved the level of tourism. to generate income for the native people of this region. Therefore, the purpose of the current research is to evaluate the potential of the tourist attractions of the Gorgan pilgrimage region in line with strategic planning and tourism development to provide the basis for the sustainable development of tourism and culture, as well as the creation of infrastructural facilities, services, and Tourism is for providing to tourists.
 
Methodology
The approach governing the current research is of the applied-developmental type and its investigation method is descriptive-analytical. Library and field methods (questionnaires) were used to collect the required information. 50 questionnaires were distributed among the residents and relevant experts as a sample. The indicators used in this research include economic variables, cultural variables, facilities and equipment variables, and tourism indicators including historical-architectural, natural, cultural-social, and infrastructure attractions. To analyze the questionnaire data, SPSS statistical software and t-tests, as well as Amos software, were used to identify the effects of tourism attractions and potentials of the studied area.
 
Results and discussion
According to the results, the components of the environmental index have a high diversity. According to the experts, the environmental index, the components of being adjacent to the forest of Alangdare and Naharkhoran and the presence of numerous waterfalls in the region, the components of the forest foothills area, the index of physical-historical attractions, architectural components, and The special texture of the mountainous places, the tomb of Abd... bin Musa bin Kazem, about the index of cultural attractions of the handicrafts and souvenirs component of the region, about the index of infrastructural and service factors of the hotel component, respectively, is the most important component. The investigated indicators play a significant role in the evaluation of the ability to create sustainable tourism at the level of the Ziarat region. Based on the results of the t-test, the physical-historical index, the environmental attractions index, and the cultural attractions index are relatively favorable. However, the index of infrastructural and service factors is lower than the desirability of the desired number. Therefore, it can be concluded that at the level of the Ziarat region, in relation to the development of sustainable tourism, the index of environmental attractions has a higher level than other components, and the index of infrastructure has a lower level than other indicators. In the continuation of the research process, structural equation modeling has been used to identify the effects of tourism attractions and potentials of the historical pilgrimage area of Gorgan city. The results of the model show that the dimension of environmental attractions has the biggest role in explaining the tourist attractions of the Ziarat region. After that, the dimension of cultural attractions, the dimension of physical-historical attractions, and the dimension of infrastructure are in the next ranks respectively.
 
Conclusion
Since the beginning of the 80s, the target area of Ziarat tourism has been attracting the attention of city dwellers and tourists due to its cool and moderate climate, unique landscape, beautiful forests, a privileged location for tourism and recreation, and a short distance to Gorgan city. The aforementioned environmental capabilities have made this region have the necessary capacities for any planning, especially in various tourism sectors. The results of the research indicate that the components of the environmental attractions index and the physical-historical attractions index have a high diversity in the evaluation of the tourism potential of the Ziarat region. However, the infrastructure index is lower than desirability. Among the reasons for this, we can point out the existence of pristine natural areas, diverse wildlife, the presence of Hyrcanian forests, the protected area, the proximity to the forest park of Alangdare and Naharkhoran, the presence of various waterfalls, and the attractive environment and the unique nature of the region. Kurd, which has attracted many tourists and the boom of second homes in this area. The results of structural equation modeling (AMOS) indicate that the dimension of environmental attractions with a factor load of 90/ has the largest role in explaining the tourist attractions of the Ziarat region.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
The first author 60%, the second author 30%, the third author 10%.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.
 

Keywords

References

  1. ‌Afrakhteh, H., Javan, F., & Riahi, V. (2019). Spatial Analysis of Tourism Effects on Physical Transformations of Rural Settlements in Rezvanshahr County. Physical Social Planning, 6(1), 57-70. doi:10.30473/psp.2019.5831]In Persian[
  2. Amir Khanlou, S., Kordavani, P., & Mahdavi Hajiloui, M., (2018). The effects of tourism on the development of rural areas from the perspective of the host community. Case: Central part of Golugah city. Spatial Economics and Rural Development, 8(2), 226-207.]In Persian[.
  3. Amoako, G.K., Obuobisa-Darko, T., & Ohene Marfo, S. (2022), "Stakeholder role in tourism sustainability: the case of Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and centre for art and culture in Ghana". International Hospitality Review, 36(1), 25-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/IHR-09-2020-0057
  4. Ariankia, M. (2023). Assessing the potential of tourism in the historical village of old Saif Abad, Kazeroon city, in line with the development and promotion of sustainable tourism. Geography and Human Relationships, 6(1), 219-241. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.26453851.1402.6.1.10.2 ]In Persian[.
  5. Ariyani, N., & Fauzi, A. (2023). Pathways toward the transformation of sustainable rural tourism management in central Java, Indonesia. Sustainability, 15(3), 2592.  https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032592‌
  6. Ateljevic, J., & Page, S. J. (Eds.). (2017). Tourism and entrepreneurship. Routledge, Axford, UK, ISBN: 978-0-7506-8635-8.
  7. barzegar, S., & Rasoli, M. (2024). Regeneration of Historical Textures in the Central Part of Saqqez with Emphasis on Tourism Development. Journal of Urban Tourism, 11(1), 41-58. doi:10.22059/jut.2024.346625.1056 ]In Persian[.
  8. Bosak, S., & Dinparast, S. (2020). Investigating the Role of Rural Tourism in Economic Development of Tourist Target Villages (Case Study: Modares Villages, Shushtar County). Geography and Human Relationships, 3(1), 269-286. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.26453851.1399.3.1.14.9 ]In Persian[.
  9. Chaghajerdi, I., jalilian, L., & footohi, Z. (2019). Study of urban tourism of the middle texture of Isfahan region 14 using model SWOT-QSPM. Geographic Thought, 10(20), 139-156. ]In Persian[.
  10. Darabi, S., Fanni, Z., & usefi, Z. (2022). Identification of Key Drivers in Tourism Development in Ilam province.  journal of ilam culture, 22(72.73), 31-53. doi: 10.22034/farhang.2022.149136 ]In Persian[.
  11. Darban Astaneh, A., Ghalami Cheragh Tapeh, M., Khorasani, M. A. (2023). Explanation of the economic and infrastructure factors affecting the development of rural tourism with the wizard scenario method (Study case: Urmia County). Serd, 12 (43), 77-94. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.23222131.1402.12.43.5.3 ]In Persian[
  12. darveishi, F., Poloie, K., Fazli, S., Bayat, R., & Gaderi, E. (2021). English Presenting the future scenarios of Iranian health tourism industry in Horizon 1414. Geography and Development, 19(62), 53-78. doi: 10.22111/gdij.2021.6003 ]In Persian[.
  13. Daviran, E. (2024). The Effect of Handicrafts in the Tourism Reconstruction of City Historical Axes (Copperwares, Mesgarha Street, Zanjan City. Journal of Urban Tourism, 11(2), 1-18. doi: 10.22059/jut.2024.357311.1123 ]In Persian[.
  14. Eskandari Shahraki, Z., Mohammadi Yeghaneh, B., Cheraghi, M., & Einali, J. (2023). Evaluating the Effects of Sustainable Tourism on Reducing Rural Poverty Case Study: Target Villages for Tourism in Ardel Township. Village and Development, 26(1), 75-97. doi:10.30490/rvt.2022.354476.1357 ]In Persian[.
  15. Esmaeil Pour Moghadam, H., Kheiri, M., & Dehbashi, V. (2017). Investigating the relationship between sustainable tourism development and investment security in terms of resistive economy. Geography (Regional Planning), 6(25), 15-28. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.22286462.1395.7.1.20.6 ]In Persian[.
  16. Estelaji, A., Zia, E., Fallah Tabar, N., & Vali Shariat Panahi, M. (2019). An Analysis of the Key Factors Affecting the Sustainable Development of Tourism (A Case Study of Some-e-Sara). Geographical Journal of Tourism Space, 8(32), 79-94. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.22518827.1398.8.32.5.3 ]In Persian[.
  17. Ghadiri Masoom, M., Bahmani, A., Hajiloo, M., Azimi, F., & Ghadiri Masoum, M., (2022). Reconsidering the Effective Factors on Development of Agricultural Tourism and Entrepreneurship Survey in Rural Areas (Case Study: Villages of Tehran Province). Journal of Geographical Sciences, 21(63), 315-334. https://doi.org/10.52547/JGS.21.63.315 ]In Persian[.
  18. Haghlesan, M., & Arbabi Bostan Abad, S. (2023). The Impact of Tourism on Sustainable Urban Development from an Economic Perspective: A Case Study of Bostan Abad City. Urban Economics and Planning, 4(1), 130-142. doi: 10.22034/uep.2023.385508.1329 ]In Persian[.
  19. Hajarian, A. (2024). Effective Indicators of Rural Tourism Development: A Comprehensive Approach (A Case Study of Villages in Khorasan Razavi). Journal of Socio-Cultural Studies of Khorasan, 17(4), 69-102. doi:10.22034/fakh.2023.393603.1607 ]In Persian[.
  20. Hashemi dizaj, A., jami odluo, M., & Farzaneh, Z. (2023). Investigating the impact of tourism indicators on urban and regional economy (case study: Ardabil city). Geography and Human Relationships, 5(4), 742-759. doi: 10.22034/gahr.2023.392962.1843 ]In Persian[.
  21. Imani, B., & Madani, J. (2024). Green Rural Tourism: Investigating the Factors Influencing the Development of Sustainable and Environmentally Preserver Rural Tourism. Journal of Environmental Science Studies, 8(4), 7305-7317. doi: 10.22034/jess.2023.394087.2010 ]In Persian[.
  22. Ivancsóné Horváth, Z., Kupi, M., & Happ, E. (2023). The Role of Tourism Management for Sustainable Tourism Development in Nature Reserves in Hungary. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 49(3), 893-900.‌https://doi.org/10.30892/gtg.49306-1090
  23. Khanzadi, A., Falahati, A., & Heirani, Z. (2018). Investigating and Analyzing the Role and Effects of Tourism Development on Income Distribution in the Provinces of Iran. Journal of Tourism and Development, 7(1), 84-100. ]In Persian[.
  24. Khodapanah, K. (2023). Analysis of Effective and Promoting Factors of Rural Tourism Development from the Perspective of Villagers (Case Study: Hiran District, Astara Township). Physical Social Planning, 10(1), 103-116. doi: 10.30473/psp.2023.64008.2605 ]In Persian[.
  25. Makooi, M., Mousavi, M., & Javan, K. (2022). Analysis and Assessing the regional competitiveness in tourism development planning (Case study: Jolfa). Human Geography Research, 54(3), 1125-1142. doi:10.22059/jhgr.2021.312426.1008197 ]In Persian[.
  26. Mazidi, H., & Zinati fakhrabad, H. (2023). Investigating and analyzing the effects of rural Kurdistan on the sustainable livelihood of villagers (Case study: Vamanan and Kashidar villages of Azadshahr). Tourism and Leisure Time, 8(15), 1-20. doi:10.22133/tlj.2023.392322.1089 ]In Persian[.
  27. McKercher, B. (2022). The politics of tourism: The unsung role of trade associations in tourism policymaking. Tourism Management, 90, 104475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2021.10447
  28. Mutauli, S., (2023). An analysis of the role of natural factors in the development of sustainable tourism in the southern regions of Mazandaran (case study: Band-Pi section of Babol city). Natural geography, 16(59), 75-85. https://doi.org/20.1001.1.20085656.1402.16.1.5.6 ]In Persian[.
  29. Opera Juneghani, E., & Nasrollahi, Z. (2023). The economic effects of the tourists in Isfahan province, two regional input-output approach. The Journal of Economic Policy, 15(29), 149-170. doi:10.22034/epj.2023.19412.2385 ]In Persian[.
  30. Rahimipour, B., Zaheri, M., & Karimzadeh, H. (2024). The Formulation Of Sustainable Development Scenarios Of Rural Tourism With A Foresight Approach (Case Study: Tourism Destination Villages-Saqez County). Journal of Tourism and Development, 13(1), 109-127. doi: 10.22034/jtd.2022.295243.2404 ]In Persian[.
  31. Rasoli, N., Mousavi, M., & Houshyar, H. (2020). Explaining Creative Tourism in the City Of Urmia with a Foresight Approach. Urban Planning Knowledge, 4(4), 101-116. doi: 10.22124/upk.2020.15374.1371 ]In Persian[.
  32. Rezai Tabar, Z. (2018). Investigating the role of tourism in the economic developments of the village and evaluating its positive and negative effects, case example: Khesht-Sar village of Mahmoud Abad city. Studies of geography, civil engineering and urban management. 5(4), 32-49. ]In Persian[.
  33. Sabouni, H., & Tagvi Khorasani, M. (2017). Investigating the role of rural tourism in the sustainable development of the village. The second national congress of the development of technological infrastructure of the road and construction industry of Iran. Tehran. ]In Persian[.
  34. Sadeghi, Z., Jalaee, S. A., Abdollahi, A., & Hosseini mazarei, R. (2023). The Spatial Network of the Tourism Economy in Iranian Provinces (Case Study: Kerman Province). Journal of Tourism Planning and Development, 12(45), 87-108. doi:10.22080/jtpd.2023.25668.3807 ]In Persian[.
  35. Saputro, K. E. A., Hasim, Karlinasari, L., & Beik, I. S. (2023). Evaluation of Sustainable Rural Tourism Development with an Integrated Approach Using MDS and ANP Methods: Case Study in Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia. Sustainability, 15(3), 1835.‌ https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031835
  36. Sharifinia, Z., & Estelaji, A.R. (2018). Investigating the Social Consequences of Tourism Development in Second Houses (Case Study: Ziarat Village), Journal of Studies of Human Settlements Planning, 13(1), 69-84. ]In Persian[.
  37. Shirkhani, A., Aslani, G., & Parizad, R. (2023). Investigating the rural tourism industry and efficient solutions for its sustainable development. Political Sociology of Iran, 5(11), 6219-6233. doi: 10.30510/psi.2022.359608.3897 ]In Persian[.
  38. Shokati Amghani, M., Eidi, A., & Kazemiyeh, F. (2024). Strategic Planning of Sustainable Tourism Development in Tourism Target Villages of Eastern Azarbaijan Province. Village and Development, 26(4), 195-224. doi: 10.30490/rvt.2023.362110.1519 ]In Persian[.
  39. Thommandru, A., Espinoza-Maguiña, M., Ramirez-Asis, E., Ray, S., Naved, M., & Guzman-Avalos, M. (2023). Role of tourism and hospitality business in economic development. Materials Today: Proceedings, 80, 2901-2904.‌ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.07.059
  40. Tolkach, D., & Pratt, S. (2022). Globalisation and cultural change in Pacific Island countries: the role of tourism. In Island Tourism Sustainability and Resiliency (pp. 10-35). Routledge.
  41. Toulabi nejad, M., Manzam esmailpor, A., Rahmani, S., & Sadeghi, K., (2022) The effects of tourism on the promotion of rural welfare (Case study: coastal villages' city of Chabahar) 22(65): 283-301. https://doi.org/10.52547/jgs.22.65.283 ]In Persian[.
urban tourism
Volume 11, Issue 3
September 2024
Pages 107-123

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics