Impacts of Rural Tourism on Employment in Uramanat Region of Iran

Rural tourism is one of the important parts of economic activities which can be examined from different perspectives. This study explores the function of this industry in employment generating and the role of investment in this activity in the quantity of Uramanat region's employment during 2002-2007. The study uses a combination of employment-tourism theories to examine the impacts of rural tourism in the area. The rural tourism concept as independent variable is operationalized with hotel and restaurant management, transportation, wholesaling, retail-saling and attractions. The employment concept as dependent variable is considered with two direct and indirect dimensions. The research methodology in this study includes data analysis, secondary data analysis and organizational reports analysis. The findings of study indicate that tourism employment in the area is seasonal and rural tourism in two seasons of spring and summer attracts the employees of other sectors, particularly those of agricultural sector.