Investigating the Status of Factors Affecting Rural Tourism Development in Lorestan Province

Today, rural tourism can play a very effective role in creating jobs, increasing the income of the villagers, reducing their migration to cities, removing poverty from the rural community, and ultimately the economic growth and development of the villages. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of indicators affecting rural tourism development in Lorestan province. The statistical population of the study consisted of 12 approved tourism target villages in Lorestan province using researcher-made questionnaire. The results showed that in order to develop rural tourism in Lorestan it is necessary to attract investors in the public and private sectors. Positive consequences of the boom in rural tourism include expanding the transport network, increasing recreational facilities, creating employment for the villagers. Failure to properly manage rural tourism will lead to increased environmental pollution and dramatic change in property prices in the villages under study.Keywords: Rural tourism, Tourism target villages, Lorestan.