TY - JOUR
T1 - Sustainable rural tourism in Iran
T2 - A perspective from Hawraman Village
AU - Ghaderi, Zahed
AU - Henderson, Joan C.
PY - 2012/4
Y1 - 2012/4
N2 - This paper discusses issues of sustainability and rural tourism within the context of Iran. Using a qualitative research approach, it investigates the experiences of one particular village which is already popular with visitors and has featured in official tourism development plans. The focus is on the reactions of residents and their perceptions of tourism impacts and formal policies. Findings indicate that villagers are concerned about the use of local natural and cultural resources for tourism purposes, recognising negative consequences which seem to them to outweigh positive effects. Participation has been very limited in government rural tourism initiatives which are felt to yield few benefits for village inhabitants. Current policies thus appear ineffective and reforms are necessary if the potential for sustainable rural tourism, embracing community engagement, is to be realised.
AB - This paper discusses issues of sustainability and rural tourism within the context of Iran. Using a qualitative research approach, it investigates the experiences of one particular village which is already popular with visitors and has featured in official tourism development plans. The focus is on the reactions of residents and their perceptions of tourism impacts and formal policies. Findings indicate that villagers are concerned about the use of local natural and cultural resources for tourism purposes, recognising negative consequences which seem to them to outweigh positive effects. Participation has been very limited in government rural tourism initiatives which are felt to yield few benefits for village inhabitants. Current policies thus appear ineffective and reforms are necessary if the potential for sustainable rural tourism, embracing community engagement, is to be realised.
KW - Community participation
KW - Iran
KW - Rural tourism
KW - Sustainable tourism
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84861312121&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1016/j.tmp.2012.03.001
DO - 10.1016/j.tmp.2012.03.001
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84861312121
SN - 2211-9736
VL - 2-3
SP - 47
EP - 54
JO - Tourism Management Perspectives
JF - Tourism Management Perspectives
ER -