An Assessment of the Environmental Quality of Rural Tourism Destinations (Case Study: Ghalehroodkhan Tourism Area)

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the environmental quality of rural tourism destinations in Ghalehroodkhan tourism area in Fooman County. Design/methodology/approach: This study was a descriptive-analytical one conducted via survey method. The population of the study included the tourists in the study area. As the total number of the population was not known, to determine the sample size, ۳۸۰ questionnaires were distributed. Heckman test and factor analysis were used for data analysis. Findings: The results showed that the structural-performance factors, tourist attractions, and visual and environmental attractions were the factors that played an effective role in the environmental quality of rural tourism destinations. Factor analysis was used to assess the environmental quality of the rural tourism destinations of Ghalehroodkhan area. As a result of reduction of ۴۷ variables, five factors were developed including leisure time, attractions, infrastructure, social and environmental factors, with the special values of ۱۸.۴۱, ۱۷.۲۶, ۱۴.۶۷, ۱۱.۸۳ and ۹.۷۸ respectively. Research limitations/implications: The high cost of the research and the time required to fill out the questionnaires, with regard to the extent of the study area, were among the main challenges facing the present study. Originality/values: This study plays an important part in consideration of the factors that affect the quality of the rural tourism destinations.

Keywords:

Environmental Quality , Fooman County , Ghalehroodkhan tourism area , Rural tourism , tourism destinations