Sociological Study Of Sustainable Tourism In The Arasbaran Region–East Azerbaijan Using A Grounded Theory Approach

Subject Areas : Development

Somayeh Baranameh ¹ , mehrdad mohammadian ² , Soroush Fathi ³

1 - Department of Sociology, Kha.C., Islamic Azad University, Khalkhal, Iran.
2 - Department of Sociology, Kha.C., Islamic Azad University, Khalkhal, Iran.
3 - Department of Sociology, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Received: 2024-08-15 Accepted : 2025-02-11 Published : 2025-06-26

Keywords: Sociological, Sustainable Tourism, Arasbaran Region, East Azerbaijan, Grounded Theory.,

Abstract :

This study, adopting a grounded theory approach, investigates the sociological aspects of sustainable tourism in the Arasbaran region of East Azerbaijan. The present research is qualitative, and the required data were collected through observation, interviews, and analysis of non-reactive documents. The study population includes university professors and tourism experts in the Arasbaran region. The sample size was determined based on the process of theoretical saturation, and initially, 20 individuals were selected as the initial sample. Sampling was conducted theoretically (using the snowball method). To validate the findings, theoretical validity was ensured through extensive fieldwork and theoretical triangulation. The data analysis process consisted of three coding stages (open, axial, and selective) and was conducted using MAXQDA software. The research findings indicate that the conditions for sustainable tourism development in the Arasbaran region include: “responsible tourism,” “a tourist-friendly culture,” “local community participation,” “adherence to sustainability principles,” “sustainable security,” and “encouragement of local industries and crafts.” The contexts for sustainable tourism development also include: “the introduction of new tourism products,” “the inclusion of women in the tourism sector,” “coordination between the supply and demand systems,” and “planned resilience against the impacts of tourism development.” The strategies for sustainable tourism development in this region are based on “environmental responsibility” and “revitalization of the local economy.” The outcomes of sustainable tourism development in the Arasbaran region include: “long-term growth of the tourism industry without harming natural ecosystems,” “increased income stability,” “preservation of economic, social, and environmental balance,” “long-term responsiveness to tourists’ needs,” “creation of sustainable development opportunities,” “optimal management of natural resources for present and future generations,” “exchange of natural ecosystem services,” and “strengthening of social and cultural identity.”

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