Evaluation of Success Factors and Indicators of Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) for Tourism Development (Case Study: Zahedan City)

Many researchers and scholars believe that when using tourism for regional development, cross-border partnership and cooperation (CBC) and turning these areas into places for cross-border tourism development and planning for the development of communications on both sides of the border is an important factor for sustainable tourism development. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors and indicators of success of cross-border cooperation (CBC) in order to develop cross-border tourism in Zahedan. In terms of its objectives, the present study is of an applied research type and in terms of methodology it is considered as a mixed method study (qualitative and quantitative). The data collection tool is a questionnaire and an interview. The results of the research indicate that both local and trans-local factors have a direct relationship with the success of cross-border cooperation. The results of QFD model and communication matrix showed that among the success indicators of cross-border cooperation, ten indicators of linguistic commonalities, cultural commonalities, cross-border markets, ethnic-religious ties, strengthening communication network, local infrastructure, joint programs, removing economic-trade barriers, implementation of long-term tourism projects and strategies and the existence of common economic interests between the two countries have had the most relationship with the development of tourism in the city of Zahedan. Investing, resolving water tensions, combating evildoers and terrorists, and creating non-governmental organizations (NGOs), respectively, were the most prominent requirements and important measures in this field. The results of this study can be used to develop cooperation between border areas and tourism in different border areas of Iran.