Explaining the obstacles to tourism development in the functional system of free zones (Case study: Aras Free Trade-Industrial Zone)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor in Sociology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Office Administration Specialist, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, National University of Skills, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This article attempted to identify the major issues facing tourism development and to discover the mechanism of occurrence of these issues in the functional system of Aras Free Zone. The method of data collection is a qualitative-quantitative method that has been carried out in a descriptive-analytical manner. Data were collected through interviews and completing questionnaires. The interviewees were 66 experts from the Free Zones Organization and Aras, tourists and tourism activists who were selected for interviews using the theoretical saturation method. The participants in the survey were tourism activists in Aras Free Zone, to whom 100 questionnaires were distributed and completed using the total enumeration method. Qualitative data were analyzed using the directional content analysis method and quantitative data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression tests. The results of the study showed that among the identified barriers in the qualitative sector, inward-looking, bureaucracy, income generation, management changes, weak infrastructure, weak expertise, and seasonality have the most significant impact on the development of tourism in free zones, respectively. The results also showed that the problems of the management system of free zones, especially the continuous management changes, weak expertise, and reliance on short-term and quick-return policies focusing on small business solely for income generation, have caused free zones to remain unable to create appropriate facilities for investors and also to create artificial elements and infrastructure to attract tourists with new interests. These factors have caused tourism activities to become unstable over time and move away from their development-oriented goals.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Geography and Development

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 January 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 31 July 2025
  • Revise Date: 17 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 02 January 2026

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