Presenting the development model of environmentally responsible nature tourism camps (Eco-camps) in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Business Management, University of Tehran Aras international campus, Julfa, Iran

2 Department of Business Management, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

For a long time, natural attractions have always been the best option to meet spiritual needs and respond to human curiosity. One of the most important features of responsible nature tourism is respect for the environment, local communities, customs and culture.
In this regard, the development of environmental camps is one of the most effective tools that, while maintaining and observing the basic principles of responsible nature tourism and environmental protection, plays a significant role in the development of local communities and their participation in tourism affairs. Responsible ecotourism, as a tool for protecting the environment, local culture, and sustainable development, can enhance the quality of regional development by providing recreational opportunities and the overall sustainability of tourism destinations.
Today, Eco-Camps play an important role in the development of tourism activities as accommodations that have the most natural, cultural and social harmony with the surrounding environment. Eco-Camp is an optimal tourist destination based on environmental criteria and standard management criteria and aligned with environmental issues and challenges.
Eco Camp can be considered a tourist destination where all the services and infrastructure are coordinated and compatible with the environment of the region.
Objective: This study attempted to identify and investigate the effective factors and provide a model for the development of Eco-camps in Iran. The findings of the research lead to the formation of a paradigm model for the development of Eco-camps in Iran.
Method: Qualitative approach with grounded theory method is used in this research. Field method with in-depth interview technique has been used to collect the required data while studying library resources. The interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. A total of 12 experts were interviewed in this field. MAXQDA software was used for content analysis.
Results: The findings of the research indicate that 29 sub-topics in the form of 17 main topics constitute the development model of Eco-camp in Iran.
Conclusions: The results of this research showed that the development of ecotourism camps in Iran requires national commitment in all sectors related to tourism in Iran. Environmental protection and sustainable development, increasing invisible exports and international credit, economic prosperity of local communities are the consequences of the development of environmentally responsible nature tourism camps (Eco-Camp).
Considering the natural features, unique and pristine opportunities that exist in Iran, it should be noted that unfortunately, basic and important planning and work has not been done to benefit from these unique natural attractions.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Environmental Studies
Volume 50, Issue 4
February 2025
Pages 519-538

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