Identifying Key Actors in the Formation of Conflict in Rural Tourism Destinations (Case Study: Rural Tourism Destinations of Torghabeh-Shandiz County)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

FUM

10.22111/gdij.2026.54688.3816

Abstract

The development of tourism in rural areas, while generating significant economic benefits, has also intensified conflicts due to competing interests and the diversity of stakeholder values. This study investigates conflict formation in rural tourism destinations of Torqabeh–Shandiz County by identifying key stakeholders, analyzing their levels of influence and dependence, and examining their convergent and divergent positions toward sustainable tourism development goals.

The research is fundamental–applied in purpose and qualitative in nature. The study population includes nine groups of key rural tourism stakeholders—such as local residents, tourists, rural managers, tourism business owners, and governmental institutions—across 19 rural tourism destinations in the study area. Data were collected from 81 purposively selected stakeholder representatives and analyzed using the MACTOR stakeholder analysis method.



Findings reveal that tourists, local residents, tourism-related businesses, rural managers, and the Cultural Heritage Organization function as multi-faceted actors, playing central roles in both generating conflicts and being affected by them. In contrast, organizations such as the Department of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad are identified as independent actors with relatively low competitive power and limited involvement in stakeholder interactions.

Although stakeholders demonstrate convergence on broad development objectives—such as infrastructure improvement and waste management—conflicts persist due to differences in operational priorities and an unequal distribution of power. The study concludes that conflicts in the region primarily arise from tensions between the economic and recreational goals of influential actors and the requirements of ecological sustainability.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Geography and Development

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 29 July 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 08 February 2026
  • Revise Date: 11 July 2026
  • Accept Date: 21 July 2026

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