The Reciprocal Effects of Sustainable Tourism Development on Local Community Development: A Case Study of Naghadeh

The emergence of the idea of sustainable development with more emphasis on increasing the role of local communities, facilitates the move towards sustainable tourism development. The concept of sustainable tourism has its root in developing local communities; a development which causes financial, social, cultural, and political developments.This study aimed to assess the effect of reciprocal sustainable tourism development on sustainable development local communities in Nagadeh. An applied, descriptive – analytical design was used. The data analysis methods consisted of hierarchical cluster analysis (cluster analysis), two-way ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc test. In the cluster analysis, the criteria understudy were classified into four cluster each consisting three dimensions. The three macro-clusters were labeled "economic empowerment, management and planning", "social empowerment and strengthening of social capital" and "environmental empowerment and increased environmental sensitivity "The results showed that sustainable tourism development and sustainable development of local communities had been affected by the factors "economic empowerment, management and planning", "social empowerment and enhancing social capital", and "environmental empowerment and increased environmental sensitivity”.