Identifying the Factors Affecting the Rural Tourism Development Pattern (Case Study: Masal County)

Many development planners mention rural tourism activity as one of the main pillars of sustainable development and in this regard, try to identify the advantages and limitations of rural and feasibility of tourism activity in these areas as well as basic planning. Take responsibility for diversifying the rural economy Objective of this research.

The purpose of this research is to identify the effective factors on the development of tourism pattern in the rural areas of Masal County.

The present study is applied in terms of purpose and has a qualitative-quantitative exploratory nature. The statistical population of the study includes villagers and experts of the Islamic Council of villages targeted for tourism in Masal County who were purposefully selected. In order to collect data, in-depth interviews in the form of open-ended questions and then a researcher-made questionnaire were used. In data analysis method, coding method, descriptive statistical method including mean, standard deviation and inferential statistical method including Friedman test and path load factor analysis using SPSS and AMOS software were used.

Studied Areas:

The study area in the present study is Masal County.

The results showed that the natural attractions of rural areas of Masal County with a path coefficient of 0.89 compared to other factors have a direct and very important effect on the rural tourism model of Masal County.

The results showed that the main patterns of tourism in rural areas of Masal County include ecotourism, historical tourism and religious tourism. Among the influential factors in this field are the geographical location and climate of the villages, the capabilities and limitations of the village directly and the benefits of tourism, the positive and negative economic and social effects and the actions of officials to develop tourism indirectly affect the rural tourism model of these areas.