bahram imani; alireza ghane
Abstract
Tourism is recognized as a significant source of income and a crucial factor in the development of nations. Ecotourism lodges play a pivotal role in tourism development and sustainable rural development. Therefore, understanding the inhibiting and facilitating factors in the development of these lodges ...
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Tourism is recognized as a significant source of income and a crucial factor in the development of nations. Ecotourism lodges play a pivotal role in tourism development and sustainable rural development. Therefore, understanding the inhibiting and facilitating factors in the development of these lodges is essential. This research aims to identify and explain the inhibiting and facilitating factors in the development of ecotourism lodges from the perspective of experts in the villages of Ardabil Township (specifically, Vakilabad and Sham Asbi villages). This study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing a sequential exploratory design conducted in two phases, qualitative and quantitative. In the qualitative phase, the range of variables and key indicators were identified through a scoping review. Subsequently, in the quantitative phase, a survey method using questionnaires was administered to a sample of 100 professionals, experts in ecotourism lodges, and local managers from the selected villages. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed using Cronbach's alpha, which yielded a value of 0.937, indicating an acceptable level of reliability. Structural equation modeling (SEM) in Smart PLS3 software was used for data analysis. The findings revealed that economic factors (effect coefficient 0.817) and socio-cultural factors (effect coefficient 0.802) were significant inhibiting factors, while socio-cultural factors (effect coefficient 0.904) and economic factors (effect coefficient 0.816) were significant facilitating factors for the development of ecotourism lodges in the studied areas.
