Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)
Quarterly

A Precise Elucidation of the Role of Tourism Capacities in Local Development from the Perspective of Local Stakeholders (Case Study: Soltaniyeh city, Zanjan Province)

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

Daryoosh Jahani 1
Esmaeil Taghavi Zirovani 2
Yaghoub Haghghi 3
Siamak Aslani 4

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

2 Research Assistant professor Institute of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

3 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

4 MSc in Applied Climatology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

Abstract
Background and Objective: Contemporary development approaches emphasize endogenous capacities and stakeholder participation as essential elements of sustainable local development. Tourism, as a multidimensional phenomenon, contributes not only to economic growth but also to socio-cultural vitality, infrastructure improvement, and environmental management. Soltaniyeh, home to the globally significant Soltaniyeh Dome, possesses substantial tourism capacities whose developmental role requires systematic evaluation from the perspective of local stakeholders.
Methodology: This applied, descriptive–analytical study employed a field survey method. The statistical population included residents of Soltaniyeh, with 385 participants selected via random sampling. Data were collected through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. Reliability was confirmed (α = 0.915). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, one-sample t-test (test value = 3), and one-way ANOVA using SPSS and Minitab.
Results and Findings: All four tourism capacity dimensions (economic, socio-cultural, service–infrastructural, environmental) demonstrated mean scores above the neutral value, with statistically significant results (p < 0.05). The economic dimension showed the strongest perceived impact. ANOVA results confirmed significant differences among dimensions, indicating that tourism’s economic influence is more pronounced than other effects. Findings align with Social Exchange Theory, suggesting stakeholder support is driven by perceived net benefits. Tourism capacities in Soltaniyeh significantly contribute to local development, particularly in economic terms. Sustainable and participatory planning is essential to maximize benefits while maintaining socio-cultural and environmental balance.

Keywords

Tourism Capacities
Local Development
Local Stakeholders
Soltaniyeh
Sustainable Development
Subjects
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Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)
Volume 7, Issue 1 - Serial Number 23
Spring 2026
Pages 540-553

  • Receive Date 27 February 2026
  • Revise Date 16 May 2026
  • Accept Date 29 June 2026
  • First Publish Date 29 June 2026
  • Publish Date 22 May 2026

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