نوع مقاله : مقاله علمی - پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 دانشگاه ازاد تهران مرکز ، تهران ، ایران
2 دانشیار، گروه شهرسازی، دانشکده معماری و شهرسازی، دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی تهران مرکز، تهران، ایران.
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Introduction: The tourism industry is a critical driver of economic development worldwide, with profound effects on job creation, income generation, and long-term sustainability. As one of the largest and fastest-growing industries, tourism is integral to many economies,
Qazvin, located in the northwestern part of Iran, is one such city endowed with a rich historical and cultural heritage. It boasts numerous historical monuments, including traditional bazaars, ancient mosques, and beautiful Islamic architecture. This unique historical and cultural legacy, combined with its strategic geographical location, positions Qazvin as an emerging tourism hub within Iran. However, despite its potential, Qazvin's tourism sector faces significant challenges, including environmental crises, economic fluctuations, inadequate infrastructure, and market instability. These issues have hindered the full development of tourism in the city, limiting its capacity to capitalize on its tourism potential.
In response to these challenges, this study utilizes the Meta-SWOT model to identify and analyze the key factors that influence the sustainable development of tourism in Qazvin. This research aims to address the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of Qazvin's tourism industry and provides actionable recommendations to develop strategies for improving the city's tourism infrastructure and promotion while ensuring the sector's long-term sustainability.
Purpose of the Research:
This research aims to identify factors influencing sustainable tourism development in Qazvin using the Meta-SWOT model. It analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the tourism sector and provides strategic recommendations to address challenges and optimize resources for enhancing the city's tourism potential.
Methodology: This study employs the Meta-SWOT method, a strategic analysis tool that combines both SWOT analysis and Meta-analysis, to assess the internal and external factors that influence the sustainable development of tourism in Qazvin. Data for the study were gathered through a combination of library research, local reports, and in-depth interviews with tourism experts, government officials, and local business stakeholders. The data collection process also included reviewing regional tourism policies and initiatives to understand their impact on the city’s tourism industry. The Meta-SWOT model was chosen for its comprehensive approach, which allows the integration of both qualitative and quantitative data to produce actionable insights. This methodology helped prioritize key development strategies and provided a detailed analysis of the city's current tourism status, challenges, and opportunities for future growth.
Findings and Discussion: The findings of the research reveal that Qazvin has considerable potential to become a leading destination for sustainable tourism in Iran. The city’s strengths lie in its rich historical and cultural heritage, including well-preserved Islamic architecture, local handicrafts, and its position as a key player in the historical Silk Road. Moreover, Qazvin’s location offers a strategic advantage, making it an ideal stop for both domestic and international tourists. However, challenges such as inadequate accommodation infrastructure, insufficient tourism promotion, and poor crisis management capabilities hinder the city’s tourism development. Additionally, external factors such as regional instability and negative perceptions about Iran abroad, such as Iranophobia, pose a significant threat to attracting international tourists.
Despite these challenges, several opportunities exist for Qazvin to strengthen its tourism sector. These include the growth of cultural tourism, investment in renewable energy, the expansion of local tourism marketing efforts, and the promotion of Qazvin’s brand identity as a sustainable tourism destination. Strengthening infrastructure, establishing an international airport, and improving crisis management systems are crucial steps in addressing the city's weaknesses and ensuring that it can effectively handle increased tourist demand while maintaining a focus on sustainability.
Conclusion: The tourism industry plays a vital role in economic development and sustainable growth, particularly through urban tourism, which utilizes a city’s historical, cultural, and natural assets. Qazvin’s rich heritage and strategic location present it with significant potential to become a leading tourism destination in Iran. However, the city's tourism development faces multiple challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited promotional efforts, and external political factors. By addressing these weaknesses and leveraging its historical and cultural strengths, Qazvin can evolve into a prime example of sustainable urban tourism. Practical recommendations for development include enhancing infrastructure, improving tourism promotion, branding, establishing an international airport, and developing effective crisis management strategies. These actions will provide a roadmap for the city’s tourism sector to thrive and ensure its long-term sustainability, creating a model that can be replicated in other cities with similar potential.
کلیدواژهها [English]