To analyze tourism impacts on income distribution and poverty alleviation in Iran

Tourism industry plays an important role in the countries particularly in developing countries. Tourism has a considerable impact on distributing income especially in developing countries where more foreign exchange resources are required. This paper aims to describe tourism development role in Iran and its role in decreasing poverty through income channels. Gini coefficient and convergence method were applied to investigate tourism expenditures impacts on rich and poor households since 1979 to 2015. Results indicate that tourism causes providing income resources for poor people. Therefore, income distribution through tourism services channels (hotels, restaurant) positively influences poverty alleviation and increase of government expenditure and exchange fluctuations negatively influences poverty alleviation.