Evaluation of the Effects of Community-Based Tourism on Rural Development: A case study of Target Villages of Markazi Province Tourism

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

Abstract

ABSTRACT
This research explores the influence of community-based tourism (CBT) on the development of designated tourism villages in Markazi Province, Iran. Employing a descriptive design with a quantitative approach, data was collected through documentary analysis (libraries and journals) and field surveys using questionnaires. Social factors (coefficient = 0.880) emerged as the strongest positive influence on CBT development, highlighting the importance of community readiness. Environmental components (coefficient = 0.611) were the second most impactful factor, underlining the need for environmental preservation. Economic factors (coefficient = 0.291) and managerial-institutional factors (coefficient = 0.276) also demonstrated positive influences, though to a lesser extent. Data analysis utilized correlation schemes and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques with Smart PLS4 software. Using Cochran's formula, a sample size of 325 participants from the 25 target villages was determined. The research instrument's reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.760), while expert opinion ensured qualitative validity. Overall, this study suggests that social and environmental considerations are paramount for successful CBT implementation in Markazi Province. While economic benefits and effective management are essential, fostering community readiness and environmental sustainability are crucial for long-term CBT development.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In recent years, due to the lack of attention to unfavorable conditions in different regions, tourism has not had the necessary ability to increase the welfare of local communities; therefore, it has failed in terms of social empowerment and economic capability because not every region is suitable for tourism. Thus, for the development of tourism in any area, it is necessary to evaluate the context and capacities of the community in order to launch and monitor tourism associations, which is considered in community-based tourism. In general, community-based tourism provides important benefits in rural areas. First of all, this activity directly impacts the local community. Then, it stimulates responsible tourism to improve the quality of life in rural areas and the natural and cultural resources of those areas and ultimately reduces poverty in these areas. So, the development of community-based tourism in the economic field has increased local income and employment. The research area targets tourism villages in Central Province. This province has many tourist attractions in the field of rural tourism. It can be said that this province has good potential in the field of tourism and ecotourism and can be a suitable model for the development of community-based tourism. Therefore, the participation of the local community and the creation of suitable infrastructure for local tourism in the rural areas of Central Province can create a win-win relationship between the local community and tourists. The current research aims to investigate the effects of community-based tourism on the development of tourism target villages in Markazi Province.
 
Methodology
This research employs a descriptive design with a quantitative approach. Data analysis will utilize correlation schemes and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques using Smart PLS4 software, which is well-suited for handling smaller sample sizes and non-normal data distribution (if applicable). Information was gathered through documentary analysis of research and academic literature (library sources and scientific journals) and a field survey using questionnaires. The target population encompasses all 25 designated tourism villages within Markazi Province. To ensure representativeness, villages experiencing higher tourist influx were chosen based on consultations with tourism experts and university professors in the region. Households were selected as the sampling unit. Drawing upon data from the 2015 General Population and Housing Census, the total number of households residing in these villages is 2085. Cochran's formula was employed to determine the required sample size, resulting in a target of 325 participants for data collection.
 
Results and discussion
This research employed various indices to assess the measurement and structural models. Reliability was evaluated using factor loadings (cut-off ≥ 0.4), Cronbach's alpha (cut-off ≥ 0.7), and composite reliability (cut-off ≥ 0.7). All criteria indicated satisfactory model reliability. Convergent validity was assessed through factor loadings, all exceeding the 0.5 threshold, demonstrating good construct validity. The structural model fit was evaluated using t-values, R-squared (weak: 0.19, medium: 0.32, strong: 0.67), Q-squared (weak: 0.02, medium: 0.15, strong: 0.35), redundancy (positive value preferred), and GOF (weak: 0.01, medium: 0.25, strong: 0.36). The analysis revealed significant effects (t-values > 1.96) of social, economic, environmental, and management-institutional factors on community-based tourism development, with social and environmental factors exhibiting the strongest influences (path coefficients with the highest values). Additionally, the GOF value (0.527) surpassed the 0.36 threshold, indicating a strong overall model fit. These findings suggest that the proposed model effectively captures the relationships between the examined variables and community-based tourism development in Markazi Province.
 
Conclusion
The results suggest that social factors (coefficient = 0.880) strongly influence community-based tourism (CBT) development in the villages studied in Markazi Province. This highlights the significance of social readiness for CBT implementation.  A community's receptiveness to change and its existing social structures can significantly influence the program's success. Environmental components (coefficient = 0.611) emerge as the second most impactful factor. This underlines the importance of preserving the natural environment in CBT destinations. Sustainable practices and responsible tourism strategies will likely be crucial for long-term development. Economic factors (coefficient = 0.291) and managerial-institutional factors (coefficient = 0.276) also positively influence CBT development, albeit to a lesser extent than social and environmental factors.  These findings suggest that while necessary, economic benefits and effective management structures may not be the sole drivers of successful CBT programs.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Human Geography Research
Volume 57, Issue 3
November 2025
Pages 37-56

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