Evaluating the potentials of epitourism in Iran: from the perspective of regional development in Talegan

Subject Areas : Geography and Rural Planning

Mohsen Naderi ¹ , رحیم سرور ^{2 *} , تهمینه دانیالی ³

1 - Department of Geography and Rural Planning, SR.C.,, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Geography and Urban Planning, SR.C.,, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Department of Geography and Rural Planning, YI.C.,, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2024-12-13 Accepted : 2025-02-26 Published : 2025-03-11

Keywords: Epitourism potentials, regional development, local economy, Talegan,

Abstract :

Apitourism, a nature-based tourism centered on honeybees and beekeeping, holds significant potential for regional development and enhancing the local economy in Iran, particularly in Taleqan. This study evaluates apitourism’s capacities in Taleqan by analyzing environmental, economic, socio-cultural, infrastructural, and managerial components. Taleqan, with its pristine nature, rich biodiversity, diverse flora, and over 28,000 bee colonies, offers ideal conditions for this tourism type. Findings indicate that apitourism can contribute to regional sustainability through biodiversity conservation, job creation, revival of local traditions, and development of educational-recreational infrastructure. The infrastructural component, with a mean of 3.362, has the strongest impact, though weaknesses such as limited digital infrastructure and waste management require attention. The proposed model, integrating these components, suggests strategies like enhancing digital marketing, fostering intersectoral collaboration, and empowering local communities through education. This model not only revitalizes the local economy but also, by preserving natural and cultural resources, positions Taleqan as a prominent apitourism destination nationally and internationally.