Contexts and Causes of Conflict in Rural Tourism Destinations: A Case Study of Torghabeh and Shandiz

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student, Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran.

3 FUM

4 Assistant Professor, Field Geography Research Unit of the University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.

Abstract

Context and Purpose: This research aims to identify and prioritize the causes and contexts of conflict formation among stakeholders in rural tourism destinations in Torqabeh and Shandiz County.
Methodology: The present research is fundamental-applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of methodological nature. The necessary data for the theoretical section was obtained through documentary methods, while the field section gathered data through open interviews with 81 representatives from nine stakeholder groups identified in 19 tourism villages of this county. Furthermore, to rank and evaluate the extracted causes, the opinions of 17 experts were utilized. Data analysis was conducted using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and ultimately, a cause-and-effect diagram of the causes of conflict was drawn.
Findings: The research findings indicated that the most significant contexts of conflict among stakeholders in rural tourism destinations of Torqabeh and Shandiz include differences in goals and values, weak communication and cooperation among stakeholders, misperceptions and lack of information, competitive resources, and structural issues.
Conclusion: Accordingly, the most important causes associated with these contexts include the lack of acceptance and respect for the values of others, incompatible behaviors of tourists, lack of awareness or insufficient information, disregard for the rights and interests of others, and stakeholder dissatisfaction with the existing conditions and issues of power, benefit, structures, policies, laws, and regulations.
Originality/value: The results of this research emphasize the importance of thoroughly understanding these factors to adopt effective strategies in conflict management and advance the goals of sustainable rural tourism development in the studied region.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Tourism Planning and Development
Volume 14, Issue 54
September 2025
Pages 7-37

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