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

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

1 Payam Noor University, Tehran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

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

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

Abstract
ourism, as one of the main drivers of local development, especially in cities with historical heritage, plays an important role in improving economic, social and physical dimensions. The present study aimed to explain the position of tourism capacities in local development from the perspective of local stakeholders in Soltaniyeh city. This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. The statistical population included residents of Soltaniyeh city, and 385 people were randomly selected as a sample size using the Cochran formula. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Likert scale, whose reliability was confirmed by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.915. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Minitab software through one-sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the one-sample t-test showed that the average of all economic, cultural-social, service-infrastructure and environmental indicators was higher than the baseline (3) and, according to statistical significance (P-value < 0.05), tourism capacities have a positive and significant effect on local development. The results of the ANOVA test also indicate that there is a significant difference between the indicators and that the economic indicator has the most impact. The existence of valuable world heritage, especially the historical monument of the Soltaniyeh Dome, along with the city's cultural and historical capacities, has provided the basis for strengthening local sustainable development. Overall, the research findings show that planned and participatory exploitation of tourism capacities can act as a driving force for sustainable development in Soltaniyeh and play an effective role in improving the economic situation, promoting cultural identity and strengthening urban infrastructure.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 May 2026

  • Receive Date 27 February 2026
  • Revise Date 16 May 2026
  • Accept Date 29 May 2026
  • First Publish Date 30 May 2026
  • Publish Date 30 May 2026