چكيده لاتين
Research on the impact of rural tourism on sustainable rural development plays a crucial role in guiding tourism development, promoting responsible practices, and ensuring that tourism contributes to the well-being of local communities and the environment. Therefore, this research employs the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) framework to analyze the impact of rural tourism on sustainable rural development in Kiar County. Quantitative data were collected from 384 respondents, including tourists, local residents, tourism businesses, and government officials. Secondary data were also obtained from relevant studies, reports, and databases related to rural tourism and sustainable development. Our findings indicate that rural tourism has significant potential to enhance the economic prosperity, cultural vitality, and environmental sustainability of the region. However, challenges such as infrastructure inadequacy, insufficient marketing efforts, and the potential for over-exploitation of natural resources need to be addressed to ensure a truly sustainable approach to rural tourism development. The analysis of internal and external factors revealed that adopting a WT (Minimize-Minimize) strategy to mitigate or overcome internal weaknesses and external threats is the best approach to achieve desirable goals or outcomes. To prioritize strategic options, a QSPM matrix was created, which evaluated the attractiveness of each opportunity and threat on a scale of 1 to 5. The attractiveness score of each factor was then multiplied by its weight to obtain its weighted score. Overall, this strategy suggests that by investing in infrastructure, amenities, and marketing, rural communities can attract tourists, create jobs, and preserve their natural and cultural heritage. Evidence-based recommendations are also provided to promote sustainable tourism practices and create a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and cultural preservation.
