The Role of Tourism in Improving Economic Situation of Villages in Talesh Township (Case Study: Shirabad Village)

The overall goal of this research is to identify affective capabilities of tourism development in improving economic situation Shirabad village in Talesh Township. The research was carried out in 2010. It is applied type research and a descriptive - survey method was used. The main instrument was questionnaire. The statistical population included all residents of the Shirabad village and 101 respondents were selected by using simple random sampling method. The dependent variable was economic situation of Shirabad village. Statistical analysis of data extracted through the use of SPSS 16 computer software was done. Results indicated that employment and economic situation in the Shirabad village is inappropriate. But due to the high potential of this village, tourism can play an important role in improving job creation and economic condition. The results of regression analysis showed that improving employment, sustainable rural development, increasing rural incomes, improving cultural - social - natural issues, providing appropriate ICT, increasing health, welfare, transportation, marketing services, improving the production of handicraft and improving environmental conditions had a positive impact on economic conditions.