The effect of tourism experience on investors decision-making process(Case study: venture capital screening criteria in Iran)

In this study, we addressed the possibility of influencing the tourism attractiveness of a region on investment, even in projects that not related to tourism. For this purpose, the Venture Capitals' decision-making process was examined in Iran. A questionnaire offered to venture capital investment experts and managers to evaluate an investment plan (production of omega-3 fish oil). In the first part, the characteristics of the respondents on one hand and the areas in which they have visited and wanted to travel again (tourism experience), was asked and registered. Then, once randomly, the information of the omega3 project located in the area with tourism experiences (using an electronic piping questionnaire) and once the information of exactly the same project located in the neutral area(which was not attractive for tourists) were offered to the respondents and evaluation criteria related to plan’s decision making were asked (Includes various screening criteria). Statistical results showed that people ascribed the plan located in an attractive tourist area as a more attractive investment with significant differences. Therefore, it can be concluded that if a region as a tourist destination leaves a positive experience in the tourists view (among whom there are investment decision makers), it is possible that this effect will attract investment and development of the region.