Sustainable Governance Model for Cultural Tourism Development: The Role of Native Architecture and Climate-Friendly Materials in Mazandaran

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

Abstract

Context and Purpose: Cultural tourism, as one of the important axes of sustainable development in provinces with historical background and climatic diversity such as Mazandaran, requires a deep connection with local governance, vernacular architecture, and the use of climate-compatible materials. In this regard, the present study aims to examine the role of sustainable governance in developing cultural tourism, with an emphasis on vernacular architectural elements and climatic-responsive materials in Mazandaran province.
Design/methodology/approach: The present study was conducted using a qualitative approach and Grounded Theory method. Research data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 27 experts in the fields of architecture, tourism, urban planning, and cultural policy. Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA software, and coding was carried out in three stages: open, axial, and selective.
Findings: Data analysis led to the identification of six key categories: “participatory and transparent governance,” “revival of vernacular architecture in tourism construction,” “climate-oriented policymaking,” “empowerment of local communities,” “cultural attachment in tourism development plans,” and “the supervisory role of local institutions”. The resulting conceptual model showed that sustainable governance can provide the basis for balanced development of cultural tourism by strengthening local mechanisms, smart regulation, and utilizing indigenous knowledge.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, the development of cultural tourism in Mazandaran requires the formation of a multi-level governance system in which policymakers, local communities, architects, and tourism stakeholders interact with each other. Additionally, the use of local materials—such as wood, thatch, and pottery—that are compatible with the region’s temperate and humid climate should be prioritized in the tourism architectural designs. It is suggested that policymakers strengthen the cultural-environmental sustainability of tourism by developing incentive frameworks, encouraging the use of local architecture and climate-responsive materials.
Originality/value: By presenting a localized model of sustainable governance in the field of cultural tourism, this research analyzes the link between governance, architecture, and climate-responsive materials for the first time within the climatic and cultural context of Mazandaran Province, and introduces an interdisciplinary, data-driven approach to theorizing.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Tourism Planning and Development
Volume 14, Issue 55
December 2025
Pages 167-189

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