Community –Based Tourism (CBT) Planning and Possibilities: The Case of Shahmirzad, Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Faculty Tourism, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

2 Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Northern Cyprus

Abstract

A B S T R A C T
Community participation is widely recognized as a critical component of sustainable tourism development; however, tourism planning in many destinations has historically overlooked the knowledge, consent, and involvement of host communities. Such top down approaches often result in uneven distribution of benefits and limited long term sustainability. In response, Community Based Tourism (CBT) has emerged as a development strategy that emphasizes local participation in tourism planning, management, and decision making while integrating environmental conservation and cultural heritage preservation. This study examines tourism development in Shahmirzad, Iran, and evaluates the extent to which current practices align with CBT principles. A mixed methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative survey data from local residents (N = 199) with semi structured interviews conducted with public officials and local stakeholders. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one way ANOVA in SPSS, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings reveal a structural gap between community capacity and its actual role in tourism governance. Although residents demonstrate strong support for participatory tourism planning, tourism development in Shahmirzad remains largely reactive and weakly institutionalized. Statistical results indicate broad consensus among residents regarding the need for structured planning and greater community involvement. The study concludes that strengthening participatory governance, institutional coordination, and proactive planning is essential for advancing a sustainable Community Based Tourism model in Shahmirzad.

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References

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Journal of Rural Research
Volume 17, Issue 1
April 2026
Pages 21-34

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 January 2026
  • Revise Date: 25 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 01 April 2026

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