The role of participation in sustainable tourism industry (Case study: Sarein)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Kharazmi, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Kharazmi, Iran

3 Ph.D. Candidate in Geography and Urban Planning, University of Kharazmi, Iran

4 Assistant Professor, University of Mohaghegh Ardebili, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Tourism is a powerful force of change in the economy in both the developed and the least developed countries. Due to the formation of the concept of sustainable development, Tourism industry like other industries has been seeking the ways to further alignment with the concept. Sustainable tourism as a form of alternative tourism, is seeking to improve the quality of life for local residents, promoting tourism experiences and environmental preservation of destination. Therefore, this is linked inextricably with the people and community and participation of local communities is essential to maintain and develop the basic planning for the development and management of tourism. Necessity of attention to the concept of community participation as one of the most important components of a sustainable tourism industry make the tourism industry using the community as a resource, selling community product, and ultimately affects the life of each people. The pattern seems to be optimal in this relationship and in nature is also related to the sustainable development of tourism, the pattern is a community-based tourism. This pattern requires significant participation of a community in sustainable tourism. However, the pattern of community participation in tourism, particularly in developing countries such as Iran, has been inactive participation. Hence, the exception of the formal hosts or people involved in tourism activities maintain that the local communities should be considered as a key resource for achieving sustainable tourism, not have any formal responsibility as the host of tourism activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of community participation of Sarein, as one of the poles of the tourism industry in Iran, in sustainable tourism and from this perspective, the introduction of participatory approaches as a strategy for sustainable development of tourism in the study area.
Methodology
This study in terms of target is an applied research and based on nature it is a survey descriptive– analytical research. In order to collect data, we used the combined approach, means the combination of library and field methods such as questionnaires. The statistical population based on the research questions is all residents of Sarein responsible for tourism activities. The sample size (353 patients) was determined according to the formula of cochran and multi-stage cluster sampling was used as the sampling method. Two types of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. In section of descriptive statistics, to describe the research variables we utilized descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions. In section of inferential statistics, bivariate relationships have been used and the results have also been interpreted using Pearson correlation and multivariate relationships using multiple regression and path analysis.
 
Results and Discussion
Two types of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze variables. The findings of descriptive statistics of the study showed that the tourism industry in Sarein has not favorable conditions in different economic, social - cultural and environmental aspects. This can be viewed by the lack of participatory mechanisms as a major factor in explaining this situation. Despite the high tendency of Sarein local residents to participate in tourism activities, the same people actual participation rates are low in tourism activities. The findings based on inferential statistical analysis also showed that there is a positive and stronger correlation between the level of participation of local residents and sustainable tourism industry in terms of socio- cultural compared with economic and environmental dimensions. Correlation between the level of participation and sustainability of the tourism industry from the perspective of economic and environmental is in lower rank order in priority. In addition to confirming this issue, the test of path analysis determined the exact value of effects of the three variables of social-cultural and economic participation and environmental participation in sustainable tourism industry. The test showed that recent variables moreover obtained the rank of second and third according to direct impact on the sustainable development of tourism. This has also indirect effects on the situation. Creating appropriate and correct provisions in the direction of promoting social- cultural participations of tourism can improve economic and environmental favorable conditions in terms of participation and hence achieving sustainable development of tourism.
 
Conclusion
This study aims to assess the status of Sarein local community participation in the activities related to sustainable tourism based on the survey and using field data. Therefore, we studied each of the participation and sustainable tourism industry variables and the relationships between each of them in three aspects of economic, social- cultural and environmental conditions. The assessments made in this regard indicated that there is a good level of willing to participate in tourism activities by the local population of Sarein and the value has also relatively good level but not in sustainability. Because the mechanism of the tourism industry in Sarein is such that the majority of local residents do not have a role in participation of tourism activities, the potential of participation to achieving sustainable development of tourism in Sarein has good priority order. By creating appropriate and correct provisions in the direction of promoting social- cultural participations of tourism, we can be hopeful to economic and environmental favorable conditions in terms of participation and achieving sustainable development of tourism in Sarein.

Keywords

Main Subjects


  1. Ali Mohseni, R., 2008, Sustainable tourism operationsin Iran, Challenges and Solutions, Journal of the Geographic Space, Vol. 9, No. 28, PP. 149- 171 (In Persian)
  2. Aligholizadeh Firouzjaee, N., Ghadami, M. and Ramazanzadeh, M., 2010, Attitude and trends of the host community to tourism develop in rural areas (Case study, Rural district of klijan of Tonekabon county), Human Geography Research Quarterly, Vol. 42, No. 71, PP. 35-48. (In Persian)
  3. Alipour Eshliki, S. and Kaboudi M., 2011, Community perception of tourism impacts and their participation in tourism planning: A case study of Ramsar, Iran, Department of Architecture & Urbanism, Iranian University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran. (In Persian)  
  4. Aminzadeh, N., 2012, Assessment of sustainable rural tourism development activities with participatory approach: A case study of Garme village in Isfahan, M.A Thesis, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tehran University. (In Persian)
  5. Aref, F., 2011, Sense of community and participation for tourism development, Life Science Journal, Vol. 8, No. 1. PP. 20- 25.  (In Persian)
  6. Bahramzadeh, H., 2003, Sustainable Development, Journal of Tadbir, Vol. 14, No. 134, P. 47. (In Persian)
  7. Birow, A., 1992, The culture of social sciences, Translated by: Sarokhani, B., Kayhan Publication, Tehran.
  8. Fatayi, E. et al., 2005, The management of solid waste disposal in semi-arid areas (Case study of Sarein), Journal of Desert, Vol. 9, No. 1, PP. 81- 92. (In Persian)
  9. Fazelbakhshi, F., 2009, Relationship between cultural factors with the level of participation in community-based tourism (Case study Zaghmarz village), M.A Thesis, University of Allameh Tabatabai. (In Persian)
  10. 10.  Godfrey, K. & Clarke, J., 2000, The tourism development handbook, The tourism
    development handbook: a practical approach to planning and marketing. London: Continuum.
    1.  Harris, R. and Vogel, D., 2002,E- commerce for community based tourism in developing countries, Published in the website: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228843439
  11. 12.  Karim Khan, 2011, Survey of local community participation in the sustainable development of tourism (meetings), Department of Management and Accounting, University of Allameh Tabatabai. (In Persian)
  12. 13.  Lahsayizadeh, A., 2005, Environmental crisis and Comprehensive and sustainable development, Articles Collections of social issues in Iran, Iranian Sociological Association, Agah Publications, Tehran. (In Persian)
  13. 14.  Lavasani, A., 1997, International conference on the environment in Rio, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tehran. (In Persian)
  14. 15.  Mansouri, A., 2009, Tourism and sustainable development, Journal of Geography Education, Vol. 18 , No. 63, PP. 36- 41. (In Persian)
  15. 16.  Mohseni-Tabrizi, A., 1997, Alienation barrier to participation in national development, Journal of Nameh pazhoohesh farhangi , Vol. 1, No. 1, PP. 89- 110. (In Persian)
    1.  Momeni, M., 2009, Statistical analysis using Spss, Tehran: Ketabe Now Publication. (In Persian)
  16. 18.  Monazzamitabar, J., 2007, The role of public participation in strengthening social security, Journal of Danesh-e-Entezami , Vol. 8, No. 1, PP. 9- 33. (In Persian)
  17. 19.  Nunkoo, R. and Ramkissoon, H., 2009, Small island urban tourism: A resident's perspective, Routledge, Vol. 13, No. 1, PP. 37– 60.
  18. 20.  Ramchander, P., 2004, Appropriate planning for tourism in destination communities, university of Pretoria, South Africa.
  19. 21.  Price, F. M., 1996, People and tourism in fragile environment, Royal Geography Society Publication, UK.
  20. 22.  Rahmani Seryasat, M. et al., 2014, Health tourism advantages in tourism attraction Case study (Sarein, Ardabil city), New York, Science Journal, Vol. 7, No. 6.
  21. 23.  Rezvani, M., 2009,Development of rural tourism with sustainable tourism approach, University of Tehran Publication. (In Persian)

24. Rezvani, M. and Safaei, J., 2006, The second homes tourism and its impact on rural areas: Opportunities or threats (Case Study: rural areas of north Tehran), Journal of Geographical Research, Vol. 37, No. 54, PP. 109- 121. (In Persian).

  1. 25.  Richard, G. & Hall, D., 2000, Tourism and Sustainable Community Development, Routledge Publication.
  2. 26.  Shafie, S., 2008, Participatory and its role in the activities of cooperative economic enterprises, Ministry of Cooperative, Office of Education. (In Persian)
  3. 27.  Sharply, R. and Sharply, J., 1997, Rural tourism an introduction, International Thomas Business Press.
  4. 28.  Sinaee, V., 1996, Sustainable development and tourism, Journal of Political - Economic, Vol. 10, No. 95- 96, PP. 134- 137. (In Persian)
  5. 29.  Statistics organization of Iran, 2012, Census of Population and Housing.
  6. 30.  Stelaji, A. and Allahgholinezhad, M., 2012, Sustainable development planning with an emphasis on tourism; Case study Sarein and surrounding villages, Iran Geographic Society Quarterly, Vol. 9, No. 30, PP. 129- 144. (In Persian)
  7. 31.  Suansri, P., 2003, Community tourism hand book, REST foundation, Canada.
  8. 32.  Taromi, A. and Ahmadi Shapourabady, M., 2006, Participatory tourism planning in a developing destination (experience in Indonesia), Journal of Tourism Studies Economic, Vol. 3, No. 8, PP. 91- 106.  (In Persian)
  9. 33.  Tavalaee, S., 2008, Overview of the tourism industry, 1st edition, University of Tarbiat Moallem Publication. (In Persian)
    1.  Toosi, M., 1994, Partnership (in Management and ownership), Tehran: Markaz-e-Amuzesh-e- modiriyat Dolati. 2 nd ed. (In Persian)
    2.  Unesco, 1997, Education for a sustainable future: A Transdisciplinary Vision for concerted Action. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
  10. 36.  Wisansing, J., 2010, Towards community driven tourism planning: A critical review of theoritical demands and practical issues, Assumption University Publication, AU-GSB e-Journal , Vol. 1, No.1, pp. 47-59.  
  11. 37.  Woodley, A. 1993, Tourism and sustainable development, The community perspective. In J. G. Nelson, R. Butler, & G. Wall, Tourism and sustainable development: monitoring, planning, managing. Heritage Resources Centre, University of Waterloo, pp. 135- 146. 
  12. 38.  Zarghamboroujeni, H., Rasouli, N. and Kahzadi, S., 2012, The role of the local community to achieve sustainable development of tourism in developing countries, The Conference on Tourism and Sustainable Development, Islamic Azad University of Hamedan. (In Persian)

 

 

 

  1. منابع فارسیاستعلاجی ، علیرضا و مهناز اللهقلی‌نژاد، 1390،برنامه‌ریزی توسعه پایدار با تأکید بر گردشگری؛ مطالعه موردی سرعین و روستاهای اطراف، فصلنامة انجمن جغرافیای ایران، سال نهم، شمارة 30، صص 144-129.
  2. امین‌زاده گوهرریزی، نینا، 1390،بررسی فعالیت‌های توسعه گردشگری پایدار روستایی با رویکرد مشارکتی: مطالعه موردی روستای گرمه استان اصفهان، پایان‌نامة کارشناسی ارشد، دانشکدة علوم اجتماعی دانشگاه تهران.
  3. بهرام‌زاده، حسینعلی، 1381، توسعه پایدار، ماهنامة تدبیر (علمی- آموزشی در زمینه مدیریت)، سال چهاردهم، شمارة 134، ص 47.
  4. بیرو، آلن، 1370، فرهنگ علوم اجتماعی، ترجمة باقر ساروخانی، نشر کیهان، تهران.
  5. تولایی، سیمین، 1386، مروری بر صنعت گردشگری، چاپ اول، انتشارات دانشگاه تربیت معلم، تهران.
  6. رضوانی، محمدرضا، صفائی، جواد، 1384، گردشگری خانه‌های دوم و اثرات آن بر نواحی روستایی: فرصت یا تهدید، مورد نواحی روستایی شمال تهران، نشریة پژوهش‌های جغرافیایی، دورۀ 37، شمارة 54، صص 121- 109.
  7. رضوانی، محمدرضا، ۱۳۸۷، توسعه گردشگری روستایی با رویکرد گردشگری پایدار، انتشارات دانشگاه تهران.
  8. سازمان آمار ایران، 1390، سرشماری عمومی نفوس و مسکن.
  9. سینایی، وحید، 1374، توسعۀ پایدار و گردشگری، نشریة سیاسی- اقتصادی، سال 10، شمارة 95- 96، صص 134- 137.
  10. شفیعی، شیرین (1386)، " مشارکت محوری و نقش آن در فعالیت بنگاه‌های اقتصادی تعاونی "، وزارت تعاون، دفتر آموزش.
  11. ضرغام بروجنی، حمید، رسولی، نسترن و سالار کهزادی، 1390،نقش مشارکت جامعۀ محلی برای دستیابی به توسعه پایدار گردشگری در کشورهای در حال توسعه، همایش گردشگری و توسعة پایدار، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد همدان.
  12. طارمی، ابوالفضل و محمد­علی احمدی شاپورآبادی، 1384، برنامه­ریزی گردشگری مشارکتی در یک مقصد درحال‌توسعه (تجربه اندونزی)، نشریة اقتصاد مطالعات گردشگری، دوره 3، شمارة 8، صص 106-91.
  13. طوسی، محمدعلی، 1372، مشارکت (در مدیریت و مالکیت)، تهران: انتشارات مرکز آموزش مدیریت دولتی ریاست جمهوری، چاپ دوم.  
  14. علی محسنی، رضا، 1386، گردشگری پایدار در ایران- کارکردها، چالش‌ها و راهکارها، مجلة علمی- پژوهشی فضای جغرافیایی، دوره 9، شمارة 28، صص 171- 149.
  15. علیقلی‌زاده فیروزجایی، ناصر، قدمی، مصطفی و مهدی رمضان‌زاده، 1388، نگرش و گرایش جامعه میزبان به توسعه گردشگری در نواحی روستایی (نمونه موردی، دهستان کلیجان شهرستان تنکابن)، پژوهش‌های جغرافیای انسانی، دورۀ 42، شماره 71، صص 48- 35.
  16. فاضل بخشی، فرشته، 1387، رابطه عوامل فرهنگی با سطح مشارکت در گردشگری جامعه‌محور (مطالعه موردی روستای زاغمرز)، پایان‌نامة کارشناسی ارشد، دانشگاه علامه طباطبایی.
  17. فتایی، ابراهیم و دیگران، 1383، مدیریت دفع مواد زائد جامد در مناطق نیمه خشک (مطالعه موردی، شهر سرعین)، نشریة بیابان، دورۀ 9، شماره 1، صص 92-81.
  18. کریم خان، 1389،زمینه‌یابی مشارکت جامعه محلی در توسعه پایدار گردشگری (میزگرد)، نشریه کتاب ماه علوم اجتماعی، دورۀ جدید، شماره 28، صص 11-4.
  19. لهسایی‌زاده، عبدالعلی، 1383، بحران محیط زیست و توسعه همه جانبه و پایدار، مجموعه مقالات مسائل اجتماعی ایران، انجمن جامعه‌شناسی ایران، آگه، تهران.
  20. لواسانی، احمد، 1375، کنفرانس بین‌المللی محیط زیست در ریو، وزارت امور خارجه، تهران.
  21. محسنی تبریزی، علیرضا، 1375، بیگانگی مانعی برای مشارکت و توسعۀ ملی، نشریه نامة پژوهش فرهنگی، سال اول، پیش شماره 1، صص 110- 89.
  22.  مؤمنی، منصور، ۱۳۸۷، تحلیل آماری با استفاده از spss، انتشارات کتاب نو، تهران.
  23. مرادی مسیحی، واراز و علی قاسمی، 1393، نقش گردشگری در توسعۀ اقتصادی سکونتگاه‌های روستایی شهرستان بهشهر، فصلنامة اقتصاد فضا و توسعة روستایی، سال سوم، شمارة 2، صص 105- 124.
  24. منصوری، علی، 1387،  گردشگری و توسعۀ پایدار، نشریة آموزش جغرافیا، سال هجدهم، شمارة 63، صص 41-36.
  25. منظمی تبار، جواد، 1385، نقش مشارکت مردمی در تقویت امنیت اجتماعی، فصلنامة دانش انتظامی، سال هشتم، شماره 1، صص 33-9.