In collaboration with Iranian Watershed Management Association

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Geography and Rural Planning, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Unit

2 Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Unit

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to survey of tourism in sustainable economic development in sustainable rural development, focusing on economic dimensions of Fouman County. Rural tourism creates a chain of economic and service activities, increasing the demand for handicrafts, traditional arts and activities that require more labor, and extrinsic flows, inject costs into the region and affect on traditional multiplier and encourages. The present research is a descriptive and analytical method in term of its purpose. The information was collected through questionnaires and fieldwork. The statistical population of the research is all household caregivers of 12 villages in Fouman City, which are tourism destinations. The total number of households was 2019 families and the population of 12 target villages was 7,256. According to research population, a proportional volume sampling method was chosen. Using the Cochran sample size formula, the sample size of 324 households was determined. To measure the variables, a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 35 questions and four components was used. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.73 using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data were collected using questionnaires using Sign and Friedman tests. Based on the results of the sign test in sub hypothesis 1, it was found that there is a significant relationship between tourism and employment growth in the studied villages. The sign test in sub hypothesis 2, it was found that there is a significant relationship between tourism and increase in income level of villagers. According to the test results of hypothesis 3, it was found that there is a significant relationship between tourism and increasing the wealth of villagers. There was a priority between the impacts of tourism on sustainable development of rural economy. These priorities were important in order of importance: 1. Income generation; 2. Employment creation; 3. Rural economy sustainability.

Keywords