Tourism development planning with a strategic perspective (Case study of Ashtian village of Aho village)

Master thesis in the field of geography and tourism industry

Abstract

The subject of tourism and the tourism industry in the contemporary world, especially in developed countries, has grown very significantly, along with other industries and economic sectors. Nowadays, many countries of the world have understood the wide dimensions of the tourism industry in terms of production, employment and income generation, and have been intensively developing this industry since several decades ago. The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the countries that, due to its natural, historical and cultural potentials, has always been the focus of tourists from different parts of the world, which provides favorable conditions for the exploitation and development of tourism infrastructure.

Tourism resources and capacities in line with the development of rural tourism are considered priorities for the attraction of villages. Aho tourism village is one of the functions of Ashtian district of Central Province, which has special capabilities and capabilities in the direction of tourism development.

The presence of diverse natural, historical, cultural and man-made tourist attractions in Ashtian city and in the smaller level of Aho village, which is the area discussed in this research, as well as influential factors such as geographical, economic, infrastructure, social factors and so on. It shows the necessity of using a comprehensive planning method. On this basis, in order to develop sustainable and economic tourism in the region, as well as achieve long-term comprehensive development strategies, strategic planning with a sustainable approach has been used, and finally, based on the examination of the existing conditions and the analysis of these conditions using the SWOT technique, partial strategies have been formulated in the short, medium and long term. It forces the role-players to constantly and intelligently monitor the internal and external events and the flow of changes, so that they can adapt to the changes at the right time and as necessary. According to this tourism development region, more than in the past, they need effective strategic and interactive planning with their surrounding environment, and those regions can hope for their future in attracting resources and product supply that can take advantage of these emerging environmental opportunities and avoid the threats that arise from it. In the past, the only thing that has remained constant is the phenomenon of change (David, 2014: 30). This issue requires more consideration for the tourism development area due to the great influence they receive from their surrounding environment. In this regard, the only tools that can be used are strategies. Strategies provide the possibility of success and achievement of long-term goals by considering the changing conditions. The function of other strategies is to lay the groundwork for sustainable development, an approach that has received special attention today and seeks to achieve economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for today's society and preserve these benefits for future generations. The region or tourist attraction is not exempt from this and faces many environmental threats and opportunities. The lack of strategic policy in this field causes the loss of environmental opportunities and the aggravation of internal weaknesses. Therefore, using the strategic planning approach allows the assumed region to be able to protect itself against other competitors in the current changing environment and fulfill its basic missions in providing tourism products. Chapter 1: Overview of the research goes This industry has created 12% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP) and 7% of the world's jobs. The number of tourists in the world in 2006 was 860 million, which is expected to reach 1.6 billion in 2020 and more than 2 trillion dollars.The number of tourists in the world in 2006 was 860 million, which is expected to reach 1.6 billion in 2020 and they will spend more than 2 trillion dollars. (Shahid, 2019, p. 5) While the global income of tourism is hundreds of billions of dollars every year, Iran is among the most talented countries and is considered one of the top 10 countries in the world in terms of tourist attractions. (Shahid, 1389, p. 7)

Tourism resources and capabilities in the direction of rural tourism development are considered priorities for the attraction of the village. Aho tourism village is one of the functions of Ashtian district of the central province, which has special capabilities and capabilities in the direction of tourism development.

Therefore, in this research, using strategic planning techniques, we identify the tourism capabilities of Aho village, and finally, considering the strengths and weaknesses of this village, we present management strategies for the all-round development of this village, as well as introducing this region as a tourism and ecotourism area for domestic and foreign tourists.

1-2- Research objectives

The goal in planning is the end towards which the planning is directed and it is the purpose for which the planning system is organized. In formulating the goals, what should be done before anything else is the analysis of the internal and external environment of the region that tourism development is considered. This analysis makes the goals formulated realistically and their achievement is possible. Another point that should be taken into account when formulating the tourism goals of a destination is that the set goals should reflect the goals of the other projects and strengthen them.

In general, the following goals can be considered for this research:

Identifying the economic, socio-cultural and environmental tourism capabilities and explaining the strategies to activate them

Identifying the relative and competitive advantages of the area in question and using them from them in the direction of the development of this region

assessing the needs of tourism services needed by potential and current tourists, forecasting and establishing these units

achieving sustainable development in tourism economic activities and helping to increase the longevity of tourists through the development of the necessary infrastructure

1-3- Research questions

Does strategic planning help to develop the environmental opportunities of Aho village and to realize these opportunities

1-4- Research assumptions

It seems that the development of tourism infrastructure has played an effective role in attracting tourists.

It seems that the lack of strategic and strategic planning has caused the loss of potential environmental opportunities in the tourist village of Aho.

1-5- Research background

Until now, a research has been conducted on this issue in the country.

1-6- Research method

In order to explain the current situation, argue the hypotheses and provide a suitable and meaningful model for the optimal development of the investigated area, three descriptive-analytical-composite methods are examined in a logical whole within the framework of the research process. Then we use the analytical method in the phase of rejecting or proving the hypotheses. In this method, the goal of analyzing development plans (components and elements) is to discover their various structural-functional and spatial-spatial aspects.

At the last stage, using the combined method, the known aspects are placed in a single whole and leads to the discovery of development facts.

1-6-1- Method of collecting information

A) Library method

In this method The required information sources, including books, articles, statistics and maps, are collected from libraries, related organizations and bodies, and information centers. B) Field method Due to the lack of access to some information and the need to compare some information, it is necessary to be present in the area under investigation and make objective observations and perceptions of the facts and impressions in person.