Examining Governing Factors and Impacts of Tourism Development based on Competitiveness Advantages: A Case Study of Rodbar Ghasran Rural Region

Attaining a distinct position and competitive edge among tourists is crucial for providing the foundation for rural tourism development. This study investigates the prevailing contexts and consequences of rural tourism development in Rodbar Ghasran region, focusing on competitiveness advantages. The research is applied, fundamental, interpretive, and analytical, employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The analysis utilized Grounded Theory and Combined Models (FSORA, FCOPRAS), (EDAS), and SPSS software. Results indicated that among the studied villages, Lalan and Shemshak were in the best condition in terms of tourism indicators, while Hesarak was in the least favorable situation. Theoretical groundwork to examine governing contexts for tourism development identified factors such as optimal governance, institutionalization of tourism culture, decentralized approach, strategic planning based on competitive capacities, educibility of tourism, formation of a specialized team, development of tourism infrastructure, and effective advertising. Experts assigned the highest importance to optimal governance of tourism with a weight of 72.33. Similarly, the theoretical background for studying consequences highlighted sustainable tourism development, improved quality of life, marketing growth, and increased awareness and knowledge of tourism in rural areas. Sustainable development of tourism was considered the most significant consequence, with a weight of 72.54. Importantly, the results revealed a meaningful and positive relationship between prevailing contexts and consequences of rural tourism development based on competitiveness advantages in the Rodbar Ghasran region, with a significance level of 0.000.