Abstract:
The aim of this research is to strategically analyze the position of social capital in the prosperity of community-based natural tourism in Mazandaran province. The present research is of an applied and mixed-method type, which was conducted in the quantitative phase using a descriptive-correlational method and survey technique, and in the qualitative phase using the SWOT technique. The statistical population consisted of target tourism villages and the residents of rural areas in these villages in Mazandaran province (N=19345). The sample size was estimated to be 207 people based on Cochran's formula. In the qualitative phase, the statistical population consisted of natural tourism experts in Mazandaran, from whom 11 were selected purposively. The measurement tool in the qualitative phase was in-depth interviews, and in the quantitative phase, it was a researcher-made closed-ended questionnaire, whose validity was established using a panel of expert opinions. The reliability of the items was also confirmed using the Cronbach's alpha test. The results of the research showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the villagers' perspective of social capital and each of the components of community-based natural tourism development. Additionally, those villagers who were members of local organizations had higher levels of social capital, social trust, and social participation compared to villagers who were not members. Furthermore, the analysis results showed that for the development of community-based natural tourism, supportive actions must be taken by relevant organizations considering social dimensions, and necessary credits for the structural and physical development of community-based natural tourism must be allocated.
Machine summary:
Analyzing the effects of social capital on the prosperity of community-based natural tourism in target villages of Mazandaran province Ezatollah Ghazani; Master's graduate in Agricultural Extension and Education, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
The research results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the villagers' perspective of social capital and each of the components of community-based natural tourism development.
(1) Opportunities and threats of natural tourism {Refer to the attached table file} (Source: 33-38: 2005, Drumm and Moore) To achieve important goals such as environmental protection, increasing control and participation of local people in rural development, as well as other significant benefits for the host (the local community as a tourism destination), Community Based Ecotourism 1 (CBET) was formed, which refers to tourism activities with the participation of local people; such that they engage in activities in their own region based on the natural and cultural assets and attractions of the area to lead to environmental preservation and improvement of the local community's livelihood (99: 2012, Kuuder Manu).
(5) Ranking of items related to community-based natural tourism development variables {Refer to the attached table file} The results of correlation tests showed (Table No. 6), that there is a direct and significant relationship at the one percent error level and at a weak level (r=-0.
The role of social capital in the development of community-based nature tourism from the perspective of villagers in Mazandaran province, Journal of Agricultural Extension and Education Sciences.
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