Social entrepreneurship: A key approach for rural tourism development in Iran

Oraman region is a heritage place in the west of Iran. Most of its tourism activities are organized by local community. This study aims to determinate the perception of local villagers about main characteristics of social entrepreneurship across recent tourism activities. This study used a case study design. This study used PRA techniques such as structured questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Results revealed that an indigenous network in rural tourism seems to be emerging as an entrepreneurial tourism. The result of this study shows that local people in addition to economic benefits from tourism activities, cultural and social benefits also are looking for. Benefits such as: learning from the tourists, transfer their culture to tourists, trying to introduce tourists to the culture and society, contributing to regional and rural development. As can be seen mainly targets the collective interests, and focus groups and non-profit community. Clearly the objectives and principles of social entrepreneurship are seen. Thus, the results can change in the social development of regional cultural and economic well-observed. Imperative that further spread of rural tourism activities and also for the promise of future good will.

Social entrepreneurship: A key approach for rural tourism development in Iran Keywords:

social entrepreneurship , entrepreneurial tourism , rural tourism , Oraman