Analyzing the Causes of Cultural Tourism Underdevelopment in Rural Areas of Lorestan Province in Iran Using Grounded Theory Approach

The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying causes of cultural tourism underdevelopment in rural areas of Lorestan province of Iran. It would be categorized as a qualitative research, using grounded theory to analyze data. The statistical population included experts from tourism related organizations of the province. A number of 20 experts were selected in a purposeful sampling method to reach theoretical saturation stage and the required data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews. The study results led to the extraction of the model of cultural tourism underdevelopment based on Strauss and Corbin framework and showed that the reasons of cultural tourism underdevelopment should be sought in the inadequate understanding and low acceptance of the host community, inappropriate context of rural creativity and entrepreneurship, lack of proper education for tourism development, lack of communication and welfare infrastructure, poor management and inefficient strategy, declining tourist attractions, and institutional and legal challenges.