Presenting a Model of Entrepreneurship Development Based on Sustainable Rural Tourism (Case study: Rural settlements in Rasht county)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Urban & Rural Department, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Professor of Urban & Rural Planning, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Iran

3 Professor of Urban & Rural Planning, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

4 Ph. D Student of Geography and Rural Planning, Department of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

10.22111/gdij.2025.51678.3728

Abstract

 
Nowadays, in the world's rural tourist destinations, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship development has become a multivariate necessity to eliminate unsustainable tourism. Because entrepreneurship can have an effect on creating a balance between tourism and sustainability by providing the necessary practical resources and take effective steps towards recreating rural development. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to present a desirable model for developing sustainable rural tourism entrepreneurship in Rasht county. The research method is a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to examine diverse perspectives. The sequential approach is exploratory, in that the qualitative method was used first and then the quantitative method. The statistical population of the qualitative section was 19 academic experts, experts, tourism and entrepreneurship managers. The data collection method was two library and field methods, and the data collection tools were open questionnaires and semi-structured interviews collected through a grounded theory or grounded data approach. The sampling method was purposive sampling. Data analysis was carried out in three stages: open, axial and selective coding, and then MAXQDA software was used for more detailed analysis, and finally a qualitative research model was presented. In the quantitative section, the statistical population was 24 entrepreneurs and tourism and handicraft activists in the region. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire and sampling was done using a theoretical and purposeful method. Data analysis was performed using the ISM model and MICMAC analysis, and the type of components was determined. The results of the two quantitative and qualitative sections were combined using the Connecting method and the research model was combined or sequential. The result of integrating the findings of the present combined research shows that the barriers C16, C13, C10, C2, C1, through the correct implementation of the educational and promotional strategy, the barrier C12, through the implementation of the psychological strategy, the barriers C6, C11, through the use and inclusion of the participatory strategy, the barriers C7, C8, C9, C14, through the correct implementation and continuation of the supportive and catalytic strategy, the barriers C3, C15, C17, C18, through the correct implementation of the research and development strategy, and finally the barriers C4, C5, C19, C20, through the implementation of the strategy of reforming the laws and regulations, will be effective in developing sustainable rural tourism entrepreneurship in rural settlements of Rasht county and the sustainability of local lifestyles.
 

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