Theses supervised by Habib Alipour
29 theses · Eastern Mediterranean University
An Empirical Assessment of Sport Tourism-Potentials, Barriers and Prospects: The Case of North Cyprus
This study aims to investigate and explore the present processes, potentials, barriers and organizations of sport tourism in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in order to provide a clear policy guideline to the tourism operators and practitioners as well as to the decision makers. Furthermore, this study aims to achieve exploring the deficiencies that might have hampered the development and planning for sport tourism. Sport Tourism is one of the popular forms of Tourism Industry that motivate so many tourists to go to a destination. Sport Tourism in its Hard or soft categories are able to attract millions of tourists from hundreds of different countries to travel and participate in sporting events. This form of tourism has the potential to have positive impact economically and socially. However, sport tourism requires infrastructural consideration and certain technological preparation with specific land use issues. This study assumes that potentials to establish this form of tourism exists; however, the infrastructure for and commitment to this highly suitable tourism is not in place. An examination of planning process of sport tourism with respect to scale, scope, resource protection, product development and institutional responsibilities will be other aims. A qualitative data analysis will be performed to collect data and result for this paper. This study will be also a pathway to provide guidelines how to market and locate sponsors for sport tourism as an entrepreneurial initiative. Keywords: Niche tourism, Sport tourism, Tourism planning, North Cyprus
3S’ Tourism Image and its Determining Factors: Evidence from North Cyprus
This empirical study aims to investigate the effect of cognitive image of 3S tourism on attitude of tourist to 3S tourism activities. This research also examines the impact of attitude to 3S tourism of visit intention and word of mouth as two behavioral outcomes. Data were collected from tourists who travelled to North Cyprus in the summer 2015. The results revealed that image of 3S tourism had a positive relevance to tourist attitude. Visit intention and word of mouth are enhanced by improving visitors‘ attitude toward 3S tourism. There is a managerial implication with regard to the promotion of cognitive image in North Cyprus beaches, which results in positive outputs. Restrictions and prospective directions for future studies are discussed. Keywords: 3S Tourism, Cognitive Image, Attitude, Visit Intention, Word of Mouth, North Cyprus.
An Innovation in Transitioning to Smart Sustainable Tourist Accommodation: Evidence from Kashan, Iran
Nowadays, innovation is becoming a very significant issue in competitive global tourism, which also challenged by environmental concerns. In the meantime, tourism organizations and sub-sectors pay attention to and emphasis on approaches to become sustainable through innovative ideas. Smart tourism, as an approach, is a practical policy that is increasing in different destinations to shift the processes of tourism development and planning towards sustainability. This research is the first effort to examine the case of smart and self-contained accommodation in a newly developed destination in Matin-Abad/Kashan/Iran. To fulfil the aim of this study, a qualitative method associated with in-depth interviews with employees, tourists and local people will be utilized. Data analysis and data collections will be based on the canons of the qualitative method, in the context of grounded theory. For the purpose of data analysis, the newly developed will be also applied. According to this finding, innovation by helping smart sustainable tourist accommodation (SSTA) cause to increase the tourist in all places where this method has been utilized, this finding leads to attracting the tourist by focusing on sustainability. The main research question is to measure and explore the nature and degree of a sustainable approach based on smart tourism. The findings and implications alongside with the pathway for further study will be discussed. Keywords: Smart Accommodation; Innovation; Tourism Accommodation; Sustainable Tourism.
An Empirical Analysis of Edu-Tourism as a Potential Sustainable Option- A View from Residents: The Case of North Cyprus
The review of the related studies in respect the tourism indicated that more attention has devoted to the perceptions and attitudes of people from different communities toward tourism. Many of these studies have concentrated generally on tourism and particularly alternative tourism. The current study aimed to investigate the perceptions of the resident in respect to socio-cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability of Edu-tourism. This study in somehow contribute the literature of Edu-tourism and it examines the perceptions of the residents in respect to the tourism in Northern of Cyprus. The participants of this study were 300 residents that were surveyed in the city of Famagusta in Northern Cyprus to find out their attitudes and perceptions in respect to the sustainability of Edu-tourism. For analyzing the perceptions of the residents of the social, economic and environmental effects of edu-tourism, ANOVA and Cramer’s V tests were employed. Moreover, the effect of the socio-demographic characteristics of the residents on their perceptions and attitudes was also investigated. The results of this study showed that the residents have different attitudes in respect to the sustainability of edu-tourism and they mostly have a positive view about edu-tourisms. Keywords: residents’ perception, edu-tourism, community impacts, sustainability, edu-tourism destination.
Tourism Planning Challenges and Prospects in A Destination with Political Conflict: The Case Study of Nablus City, Palestine
The phenomenon of tourism is a direct pathway to economic growth and international peace. It is a highly political-sensitive sector to such as wars, protesting, partisan conflicts, crises and terrorism, which will result in a distorted image of the destination leading to an alienation of tourists. The state of Palestine particularly Nablus city suffered from the volatility of the tourist situation due to the ‘Zionist Occupation’ who considers Nablus as ‘The City of Terrorism’, as it has a unique geographical location and high potentials, which led to the creation of challenges and pressures on the city and its people. This study aims to shed the light on the political challenges that beset tourism development and its adequate planning. This research is also tries to provide an overview of Nablus city including the demographic characteristics, explaining its touristic status and exploring the city’s potentials. This study is also exploring the constraints facing the Palestinian tourism in Nablus city. For the purpose of this study, a qualitative/inductive method was employed. Data collection and analysis involved an in-depth interview with various respondents who are associated with the tourism related institutions. Overall, 20 respondents were located and interviewed. The study revealed that lack of adequate infrastructure is curtailing the development of tourism. The study also explored that the occupation is one of the major hindrance to the establishment and consolidation of a productive tourism sector. Another important finding of the research is lack of trained human resources and inadequate services, especially in accommodation sector. A novel solution is also suggested that could become a pathway to revive the tourism sector in Nablus. The implications and limitations of the study is also discussed. Keywords: Tourism planning, Political conflict, Occupation, Palestine, Nablus
An empirical assessment of tourism development and planning in Nigeria: A Sustainability approach
Tourism development is most desirable when it is anchored on sustainability for the benefit of present generation without compromising its value for the future generations. Tourism industry, which is regarded as one of the fastest growing industry, if properly planned and managed, could generate huge revenue, employment, and other benefits. However, for this to be realized, it should not remain in the hands of parties with a laissez-faire approach. The focus of this study is Delta State/Nigeria tourism board with an aim to explore and examine the planning processes of tourism in the context of sustainable approach. A qualitative research method is applied to investigate the topic through in-depth interview with staff of Delta state tourism board. The study revealed that the pace of tourism awareness and development are still at its embryonic stage. Furthermore, the study discovered that bureaucratic bottle neck is also hampering the process of planning without considering the sustainability issues. In the meantime, lack of consensus on a general strategic plan was responsible for lack of proper performance of the industry. Recommendations are suggested how to initiate a strategic planning process and its implementation. Limitations and suggestions for further research are also elaborated. Keywords: Tourism Planning, Development issues, Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Strategies, case of Nigeria.
Desert Tourism in Iran: Challenges and Prospects
Iran is ranked fifth in the world in terms of its natural attractions and is ranked tenth in the world for her ancient attractions. Meanwhile, more than two thirds of the country are affected by the warm and dry climate that produces magnificent desert landscape. Desert tourism is a growing mode of tourism and is rapidly expanding where ever the resources are available. This research revolves around a question, Why Iran? Notwithstanding its potentials have not enabled it to compete or attract desert tourists in comparison to destinations with similar resources. This study when applied to a quantitative method in order to investigate existing desert tourism while administering a survey to staff and managers that desert tourism segments are experiencing. The aim is to reveal the factors of the full growth of desert tourism in Iran. For this purpose, 131 respondents were surveyed that were randomly selected. Survey questionnaires contain 35 items and categorized into four main sections. Management and planning infrastructure, economics and socio-cultural Elements. Cronbach's alpha method was used to measure the reliability of the questionnaire. The SPSS 25.0.0.0 version was utilized for the purpose of data analysis. The results revealed that the main challenges for desert tourism are inadequate infrastructure, lack of productive planning strategies, and lack of knowledge of desert tourism, its specific challenges, and inadequate public sector support. Keywords: desert tourism, desert tourism challenges, role of public sector, desert tourism strategy, desert tourism in Iran.
An Empirical Evaluation of Tourism Policy and Planning: The Case of Azerbaijan
In today’s globalized world, tourism has become a preferred socio-economic sector and a vehicle for development. Tourism, as any other industry, has its own advantages and disadvantages; therefore, it’s planning and management is essential and a formidable mechanism for its sustainability at present and for the future generations. Its highly dependency on quality of social, cultural and environmental resources is a logical argument for utilization of particular and adaptive planning system. Within this framework, this study has aimed to investigate and explore the processes and problems of tourism planning system in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This study is first of its kind that focuses on Azerbaijan’s tourism policy and planning knowing the fact that country is blessed with historical, cultural and natural resources that can attract tourists in all seasons. In the meantime, tourism in Azerbaijan is a new economic activity with great potential to contribute to the economic and social development of the country. For the purpose of this study, which is an examination of tourism policy and planning processes, a qualitative research approach has been employed. 24 interview questions of semi-structured and open ended nature were applied. Interview questions were extrapolated from tourism planning and development literature with a focus on sustainably dimension. Various planning models were examined to finalize the interview questions. Over 20 respondents from different institutions either directly or indirectly were aware and knowledgeable of tourism system and challenges were interviewed. Data collection and analysis adhered to all the principles of qualitative study. Interviewees were targeted based on convenience/purposive sampling which is highly appropriate for this type of research (Bryman, 2012). Data analysis conducted by applying Atlas-ti software, version 7 (http://atlasti.com/free-trial-version/). Study revealed that despite an awareness of significance of sustainably in tourism, as well as, a planning system adaptable to the case of Azerbaijan; the planning and policy processes for tourism in Azerbaijan suffers from lack of specialized planners, ad hoc approach to tourism management and development, lack of a clear strategy, and absence of practical sustainability principles in tourism. Study also revealed that Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism is not equipped with a long term plan for the country and lacks awareness of the complicated nature of tourism. Findings exposed that the approach to tourism development is mainly based on short termism. Further recommendations, implications and limitations are provided in this study. Keywords: Tourism policy, tourism planning, sustainable tourism, tourism strategies, tourism projects, case of Azerbaijan.
An Investigation of Tourism Planning Challenges in Bethlehem/Palestine
Tourism is one of the most important areas that assist countries regarding the advancement of the economy, and it is a phenomenon that affected by many factors that may contribute to its development or deterioration. Since peace, security, and development can result to the advancement of the region and country; on the contrary, war, conflicts and terrorism can lead to tarnishing the image of the destination and dwindling tourist flow. Palestine has been a touristic country throughout the ages, especially for religious or medicinal purposes. The city of Bethlehem, which is the symbol of peace and coexistence, has suffered from wars and political conflicts that led to the distortion of the tourist image in the last 70 years. This study aims to investigate the planning challenges facing the city of Bethlehem regarding its tourism growth and development. The study will present the tourism situation in Palestine in general and Bethlehem in particular, including the social and demographic characteristics of the city, and the extent of the government's shortcomings pertaining tourism planning and development. For the purpose of this study, a qualitative method was used. The information was gathered and analyzed by interviewing 20 respondents working in the tourism field who have sufficient experience regarding tourism in the city of Bethlehem. The study revealed that the Israeli occupation is the main factor that inhibits the proper planning and development of tourism sector. Such policy has resulted in neglecting various attractions to deteriorate. Study also revealed that the absence of an adaptive planning system has resulted in inadequate and dilapidated, which coupled with centralized administrative system. Moreover, the lack of trained human resource is also affected the reasonable growth and development of tourism. Suggestions and solutions to improve the tourism sector is also elaborated. Limitations and pathway for future studies is also discussed.
Analysis of International Students’ Consumption Behavior：Evidence from EMU/TRNC
This study investigates the international students’ purchasing behavior in Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), applying Chan’s (2005), the consumer behavior model. Consumer behavior is the study of when, why, how, and where people do or do not buy a product. It has sociological, psychological and economic dimensions and elements. It attempts to understand the consumer decision-making process, both individually and in groups (Jayaraj, 2017). Consumer behavior research is based on consumer buying behavior, with consumers playing the role of users, payers and buyers (Jayaraj, 2017). This study employed the constructs of demographic characteristics including age, gender, educational level, monthly income, length of residency in TRNC and nationality. This study also aimed to understand the international students’ consumer behavior in relation to promotion, product, price, quality, environmental characteristics, logistics, as well as, considering the online shopping behavior. For the purpose of this research, a survey questionnaire was administered to about 201 international students. The survey instrument contained demographic information and 31 measurement items. For the purpose of data analysis, SPSS (version 20.0.0) was utilized. The study revealed that international students’ consumer behavior is influenced by environmental characteristics, promotion, product, price, quality, logistics and access to online shopping. Study also revealed that different age groups are responding to the influencers differently. The gender differences, as the study showed, demonstrated different behavior in shopping decisions. The implications and limitations has also been discussed. Keywords: consumer behavior, international students, shopping decisions, environmental characteristics, promotion, product, price, quality, online shopping, logistics.
Community Based Tourism (CBT) Planning- A Mechanism for Socio-Ecology Survival: A Case Study of Lake Urmia IRAN
The current study aims to assess the benefits and advantages of developing CBT in Lake Urmia region. Although Lake Urmia and the settlements around the Lack have various tourism potentials such as natural, cultural and historical tourism attractions, this area still remained un-known for tourists, and the settlements around the Lack suffer from unemployment and poverty. On the other hand, due to lake of water for irrigation, agriculture situation in the area is deteriorating and the current situation has forced communities around the lake to leave their settlements. While, improving tourism industry in the region and involving communities in tourism activities can be a suitable alternative and supplement for agriculture. Unfortunately, Lake Urmia has suffered decline due to mismanagement of water resources that fed the lake. Once the world’s sixth largest saltwater lake, Lake Urmia, lost in the desolate mountains of north-western Iran, has begun shrinking. As the lake has dried up and its shores have started to recede, the surrounding land has begun to die, causing an unprecedented ecological disaster. Located near the Turkish border between the provinces of East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan, Lake Urmia has been vanishing for three decades. This study is an attempt to provide an investigation into the surrounding communities and come up with possible solution to the dire situation. The transformation of the lake and its environment can be translated to advantages for CBT. The remaining of the lake with its new features has the potential for tourism and especially for nature-based tourism. For the purpose of this study, a qualitative research will be applied to explore and understand the concerns of the surrounding communities for involvement in CBT. Because without understanding the community’s views, it will not be possible to strategize the processes of CBT. Convenience sampling and in-depth interview with the local communities will be furnished. The tourism industry in Iran has very high potential for growth and development. According to the World Tourism Organization, Iran ranked tenth of the ancient and historical attractions and ranked fifth in the world's natural attractions. According to experts the industry does not enjoy the development that it deserves. The reason for this is the lack of adequate and scientific investigation towards policy making process. Knowing the fact, community involvement is fundamental to the successful of alternative tourism ventures. Community-Based Tourism is one of the ways to develop tourism in communities that are faced with transiting to a new economy. The CBT that is envisaged in this study must consider the ecological integrity of whatever is left from the previous ecosystem. It is also said that this type of tourism can preserve and strengthen the culture, heritage and traditions of the local community. Another goal is to protect the natural heritage of the indigenous community. Keywords: Community-based tourism (CBT), Alternative tourism, Community participation, Socio-ecological integrity, Lake Urmia
Response Behaviour of Edu-tourists to COVID-19: A Case of Edu-tourism Destination
The sudden closure by universities’ campuses across the globe, amid the coronavirus outbreak, brought out several adverse effects on the Edu-tourism, including boredom. Delineated by the arousal and planned behaviour theories, this research developed a conceptual framework investigating the impact of boredom on attitude and behaviours and their indirect impacts through psychological distress among the international students at the Eastern Mediterranean University during the COVİD‐19 pandemic. Partial least square (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse data from a sample of 260 students to explore the fore-mentioned relationships. The multigroup analysis was run to assess different responses of the students based on their gender and age. The research findings underscored the significant negative effect of boredom on edu-tourists attitude and insignificant positive effects on behaviour. Equally, the results of the link between students attitude and behaviour did not show any significance. Also, the mediation results demonstrated that psychological distress does not have any mediation effects. On the other hand, the results of the multigroup analysis unearth different responses by students on COVID-19. The male and female, the young and older students, have different reactionstowards the coronavirus pandemic. The study provides practical and theoretical implications, limitations and areas for further research. Keywords: COVID-19, Edu-tourists, Edu-tourism, state of boredom, psychological distress, Edu-tourists attitude, Edu-tourists behaviour.
Digital Technology in Smart Tourism: Autonomous Web-based Recommendation System
Smart tourism refers to the application of information and communication technology for developing innovative tools in tourism. It supports integrated efforts to find innovative ways to collect and use data derived from physical infrastructure, social connectedness and organizational sources, and users in combination with advanced technologies to increase efficiency, sustainability, and experiences. The purpose of the study is design and develops recommended system based on the agent and web technologies, which utilizes a hybrid recommendation filtering for the smart tourism industry. A hybrid recommendation system based on agent technology is designed by considering the online communication with other sectors in the tourism industry, such as the TSC, agency etc. although, the online communication between the sectors via agents is design and developed based on the contract net protocol. Furthermore, the design system is developed on the Java Agent Development Framework and implemented as a web application. Case study-based results with considering two real scenarios and 100 customers illustrated that proposed web application improves the rate of the recommendation for the customers, in the first scenario without disturbances, this rate improve 20% and the second scenario with disturbances 30% rate of recommendation improved. In addition, based on the second scenario real time data communication on the system is happened therefore proposed system supported real time data communication.
Achieving Sustainable Tourism through Eco-lodge Venture: Evidence from Eco-lodge Cases
Tourism has contributed massively to the change in our climate and the pollution and degradation of our environments. It is highly of importance to seek a change which is more sustainable henceforth to achieve development, in worldwide tourism. In literature, an image of ecotourism is made with attention on the nature’s environment, and to attain sustainability in terms of the environment, economically and socially. The more delimited ecolodges are found within ecotourism; aspiring to be sustainable in terms of social, economic and environmental conditions. Ten lodges for tourism were selected as tools in the measurement of ten cases studied, in order to point out what the practicality of ecolodge seems like and how a definition of it can be formulated. And from the literature, there are five indicators of sustainability of the environments and four for sustainability in socioeconomics. These indicators for the environment included elements like food, energy, waste, construction and water, which were portrayed in practical terms in the cases studied. The socioeconomic elements included the local community, staff, education, certification and education of tourists, in no particular order, with the literature placing emphasis on the theoretic ecolodge’s sensitivity, in terms of the environment. The indicating elements which are socioeconomic showed more weakness during the cases studied, highlighting in theory, a suggestion for the official definition of the term – ecolodge, accompanied by principles on the sensitivity of the environment and the conservation of nature. So as to provide assistance to the continued propagation of enlightenment about ecolodges globally, this thesis makes a conclusion with the suggestion for an ecolodge which is official in terms of definition, consequently accompanied by principles bordering the sensitivity of the environment; the conservation of nature, as well as a close bond to the community’s locals and education meant to extensively prepare the staff, the locals and the visiting tourists. Keywords: Sustainability, Ecotourism, Ecolodge, Conservation, Environment, Socioeconomic
Motivational Factors for International Students-A Comparative Study: The Case of North Cyprus
Educational tourism is one of the most demanded sectors in tourism industry. Edu-tourism has variety of forms and models, all edu-tourism forms hast some in common parts. Traveling not only help self-improvement and self-change, also it will bring peace and relaxation. Education at the same time with traveling and changing environment can be fun and full of joy. This type of education and learning can be enjoyable for any ages. The focus of this study is to explore and examine the motivational factors for international students. There are several types of factors that are important for students also these factors for students in terms of priority and importance depends on their countries and their cultures plus what students wants from the destination. This comparative quantitative study is applied to investigate the topic through questionnaire from students from Iran and African countries that are studying in Eastern Mediterranean University, to realize that what factors are important for students from which countries. The questionnaire was separated in 8 different part and factors; cost, quality, environmental, regulatory, cultural, political, safety and social factors. In addition, the study discovered that most students are agree with environmental factors as the motivational factors and almost 50 percent are disagree or strongly disagree with political as a motivational factor. Also safety and regulatory factors have the neutral importance among other factors. Keywords: tourism, educational tourism, motivational factor, studying abroad, case of TRNC.
Is North Cyprus Ready to Overcome the Challenges of Climate Change: Implication for Tourism
Climate change is one of the biggest threats to human livelihood. These threats are more serious for island nations, because they are at the forefront of rising sea and dependency on tourism. This research aims to focus on north Cyprus, which is highly dependent on tourism, to explore the island’s policies and measures how to combat the hazards of climate change. Furthermore, to explore the precautions of tourism institutions about the threats of climate change. It is trying to determine whether measures have been taken to counter the impact of this phenomenon on the tourism industry of this country. For the purpose of this study, a qualitative method was utilized based on an in-depth interview with the sample of 12 respondents who are officials in public and private sectors and managers in tourism related firms. The result of this research revealed that minimal measures and policies are in place in the case of north Cyprus and the approach to this issue is insufficient. The study also revealed that officials in public sector and managers in private sector are aware of the catastrophic consequences of climate change, but have not been able to come up with means and measures to have readiness to deal with the impact of climate change. They are also reluctant to involve in a proactive approach to this phenomenon and take necessary action. Knowing that tourism sector is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; unfortunately, the sector has also remained dormant pertaining this issue. The implications, limitations and pathway for future studies are also discussed. Keywords: Climate change, Tourism, Sustainability, Climate change policies, North Cyprus.
Community-Based Management of the Bisetoun Site: a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran
The purpose of this study is to investigate the indicators of Support for Sustainable Tourism Development (SSTD) by communities in the case of Bisetoun site in Iran, which is listed in UNESCO world heritage site in 2006. A survey research(with 489 questionnaires) was administered to obtain perception of four communities regarding impact of perceived benefit, perceived costs, community attachment, community involvement in the process of tourism development in Bisetoun heritage site. Means, standard deviations, correlations, reliability test, structural equation modeling (SEM), and invariance metric tests were performed to test measurement and research model. The results revealed that community attachment, community involvement, and perceived benefits significantly and positively related to SSTD, while perceived costs do not significantly related to SSTD. The results also show that the effect of community attachment and community involvement on SSTD is statistically and partially varied among communities which contribute to tourism development in Bisetoun site. Keywords: Heritage Tourism, Community-Based Tourism, Iran-Bisetoun, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Invariance Metric Tests, Correlation Matrix.
An Empirical Evaluation of Waste Treatment and Management in a Tourism-dependent Destination: Evidence from North Cyprus
This study aims to explore the policies and strategies that are in place to manage the waste materials which is a significant aspect of environmental protection and environmental quality Nowadays, tourism is evolving rapidly as the concept of sustainability and green tourism are becoming the major challenges for tourism related institutions and agents. Waste management and waste processing has remained the most pressing challenge for the communities as well as local governments. The main impetus behind such evolution is the change in the demand and supply side of tourism Declining biodiversity, global warming, migration and waste production are some of the examples of real challenges that tourism sector cannot ignore. In this context, island states, including TRNC, which are highly dependent on tourism need to pay attention and come up with strategies to sustain their environment against the negative impacts of waste product by the communities themselves and tourists. Therefore, one of the areas that destinations such as Famagusta can focus is the issue of ‘waste management’. The question is that while Famagusta is highly dependent on tourism, and waste production is increasing day-by-day, what types of measures are in place to achieve minimization of waste production? For the purpose of this study, a qualitative/inductive method was administered and data collection approached through in-depth interview with 10 respondents from different public sector institutions who are involved in waste management and environmental issues. About 23 interview questions with semi-structured nature were presented to the respondents. The study explored that waste management in Famagusta entangled with several challenges faced. Keywords: waste management, waste education, environmental and waste challenges, tourism, local government, Famagusta/TRNC.
Examination of Mountain Tourism and Conservation: the Case of Cameroon
With regard to tourism, communities possess a vital role focusing on the creation of destinations. Growth and maturity has been seen in the tourism industry and as a result novel approaches are frequently debated in making tourism sector a community development projects and as an aider of social and economic progression in lacking communities. Cameroon has natural resources, touristic potentials which are not utilized. Whereas other countries like South Africa, morocco, Botswana, Kenya and Senegal where tourism is flourishing and growing but that of Cameroon is hindered because of the underutilization of the resources. All other tourism activities such as culture, wildlife, etc. are developed to a certain level in the country except mountain tourism and its conservation which is being threatened by bush fires and deforestation. This study focuses on the examination of Mountain Tourism and how it has been conserved over the past years in Cameroon. This study focuses on the examination of Mountain Tourism and how it has been conserved over the past years in Cameroon. To also examined economic, environmental and socio-cultural impacts of mountain tourism and conservation in Cameroon. Further to analyze these impacts and the intension to support mountain tourism in Cameroon. To outline the various touristic potentials present in Cameroon for example Mountain Tourism and how it has boost Cameroon’s economy. In other to develop a detail understanding of mountain tourism and conservation in Cameroon, a quantitative approach was used. Data was collected using questionnaires with 150 people who were easily accessible and knowledgeable with MCE activities in Cameroon. Social exchange theory (SET) is the theory applied in this study. It has sociological and psychological views which describe social exchange and stability as a method arranged exchanged between people in a given society. According to Correlation results, economic impacts is significantly correlated to environmental impact (r=.39, P<.01) and intention to support MCE (r=.25, P<.01). There is no significant correlation between economic impact and socio-cultural impact. Results revealed that environmental impacts is significant and positively correlated with socio-cultural impacts (r=.31, P<.01) and intention to support MCE (r=.53, P<.01). Keywords: Mountain Tourism, Conservation, Cameroon, communities.
An Examination of Environmental Institutions and Co-Management toward Environmental Protection: The Case of TRNC
“Co-management” theory, which is also, used interchangeably with “co-production” offers a useful and practical framework for illuminating the environmental institutions‟ approach to environmental issues and challenges. Especially, when there are a high number of resource users with direct contact with the processes of consumption and production of environmental resources, co-management offers a productive platform to the governmental institutions and those resource users. However, one of the main ingredients of co-management, if it is going to succeed, is power sharing between institutions and the resource users. In a way, power sharing becomes a balancing act between communities and institutions where the domain of co-production (e.g., the environmental protection) requires change through common ground while setting aside each other‟s differences. The aim of this research is, to explore the extend of „co-management‟ in the case of TRNC, which is facing a great task and challenge regarding the environmental protection and sustainability of the resources. Assumption is that there is no clear agenda based on a practical approach to this end. Neither institutions nor the resource users have been able to agree on a framework towards the environmental challenges which is essential for the main industry-the tourism. Further assumption is that the meaning and value of co-management have not been understood and contemplated in the case of TRNC knowing the fact that co-management is a logical approach to solve resource protection and management problem by power sharing and partnership. To investigate the conditions of co-management in this case, a qualitative research approach, based on an in-depth interview, with various parties in the relevant institutions, NGOs and academicians was conducted. The result showed that notwithstanding awareness of environmental challenges and an urgency to tackle those challenges, there is no awareness of „co-management‟ and its practicality. However, a desire, especially among the institutions, to commit themselves to overcome the environmental challenges exist; but lack of knowledge and methodologies how to approach is missing. Keywords: Co-management – Adaptive co-management – Co-production – Institutions
Examining the Environmental Impact of Backpackers in Caspian Sea Region of Iran
Tourism plays an urgent part in economic progress, and the social welfare of nations. Among various types of traveling, one form of travel that traveler carries only a backpack has become a universal aspect made up of people from different nationalities and a worldwide community including low, modern travelers. Backpackers are mostly both influenced and influential by each other and the places they visit. It is still emerging as an institutionalized and well-known form of travel. The backpackers in less developed countries affect economic, environmental, and sociocultural aspects. However, backpacker investigation on travel and tourism of Iran have not been well conducted in the literature. At first, the tourism structure and case study (Caspian Sea region) was discussed. Then, advantages and concerns of environmental impacts from tourists, especially backpackers have been identified. To reach these goals, this study aims to discover the process through impacts of backpackers, especially environmental impacts, in the Caspian Sea region, Iran. Accordingly, behavior amongst backpacker tourists in north coastal region of Iran are explored. The research found that, according to managers and experts, backpacking has not significantly affected the damage to natural sources, vegetation, water pollution, wildlife, and illegal fishing. The result also has been reported to not significantly affected the positive environmental impacts. Also, backpacking positive and negative significance effect in economics and socio-culture has been studied in this dissertation. At the end, weakness of the area in backpack tourism and suggestions had been discussed. Keywords: Backpackers, Environmental impacts, Caspian Sea region.
An Empirical Evaluation of Tourism Policy and Planning: The Case of Isfahan
Tourism has been considered an alternative approach for economic development of urban areas. To live up to a sustainable approach towards tourism, many actors such as residents, NGOs, locals, industries and government and authorities must be involved in the planning and implication of any tourism project. Therefore, it is utmost important to understand the viewpoint of each of these stakeholders. Nevertheless, what is less considered in the literature is the perception of sustainability by these stakeholders, especially in non-western context. Therefore, to fill this gap, this research would take Isfahan as a case that is one of the most important cities in the field of tourism industry that has a unique role in the tourism economy system of Iran and as an international destination is visited annually by thousands of domestic and foreign tourists. As such, the purpose of the study is to deeply comprehend the perception of tourism strategy and arrangement by authorities in the case of Isfahan. This survey aims to identify current Isfahan’s tourism policy and planning. Then the study will find out new planning strategies for the case of Isfahan in order to improve the umber o tourist flows. Following a qualitative approach and based on semi-structed interviews of 21 respondents who were in charge of city planning and tourism in Isfahan. The study finds various problems blocking the path to the sustainability of tourism development in the city. As a result, compelling solutions and insight for better planning and iv implication of the city has been provided. Further implications for theory and practice have been discussed in-depth. Keywords: tourism policy, tourism planning, sustainable tourism, tourism strategies, tourism projects, case of Isfahan.
An Empirical Assessment of Challenges and Prospects of Architectural Heritage Reuse for Tourism: The Case of Old Town/Famagusat/TRNC
Architecture is one of the main pillars to the role of attracting tourist to a destination , architecture in its modern or ancient periods both structures are able to attract millions of tourist from across the globe and this will help boost social and economical feature of the destination. The aim of this study is to maintain and create awareness of the architectural attraction and how to preserve them for the next generations and promoting the importance of preserving the architectural site with the help of the community, by the help of the community we can reach original identity of the site (Chen, 2011). The researcher would to like to propose a recreational structure to the old city in Famagusta, North Cyprus how it can have a positive impact on many economical factors , a qualitative data analysis will be used to gather information and come up with a result for this research. Architects need to make buildings that are sustainable and adaptable to the environment and the surroundings, and having in mind the environmental factors that are in risk when building on a fragile land, water, pollution, energy efficiency, reducing waste and improving people’s productivity that’s why a sustainable plan for buildings is a crucial element to strongly consider.
Medical Tourism Potentials and Prospects: The Case of TRNC
This research looked into the possibility of TRNC becoming a leading destination in the Mediterranean region for medical tourism. Medical tourism is one of the potential part that have been overlooked and neglected in TRNC despite it’s potential for a lucrative medical tourism. While Medical tourism has started gaining ground in other third world countries. This study has aimed to investigate and explore the potential and challengies of medical tourism in trnc for this purpose a qualitative research approach was applied and employed an indept interview have been uterlized based on non probability sampliing respondent within the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Health have been interviewed to further the spectrum of the research private clinics are also included , this study has also tried to interview some patients .the finding of the study at the end of this research that if the Government of TRNC can build a profitable medical tourism as it possess a reasonably medical infrastructure.However as the study revealed Government and private sector have been complacent and overlooked the potential of this type of Tourism.One of the study also revealed one of the main challengies facing officials is commitment to introduce and build TRNC as a destination for medical tourist. Keywords:Medical Tourism, Potentials, Medical tourism challengies, organizational issues and TRNC.