Geographical Engineering of Territory

Geographical Engineering of Territory

Analysis and evaluation of the effects of the Covid-19 disease on rural tourism and the type of adaptation to it (case study: Shayvand village, Dezpart county)

Authors
Ali Shamsoddini 1
Hojat Sadeghi 2
1 Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran.
10.22034/jget.2023.393579.1489
Abstract
Introduction: The global covid-19 pandemic has affected the tourism sector by closing the borders and reducing the demand of tourists. Developing countries like Iran, whose tourism sector is expanding, have faced significant economic consequences. In Iran, rural tourism has a special place due to its diverse resources. In this context, with the spread of Corona, rural tourism has also accepted various effects in terms of structure and functionality in addition to changes.

Objectives: In this research, the aim is to know the effects of Covid-19 on rural tourism, as well as the type of proceedings to adapt to these effects.

Methodology: The research method is descriptive-analytical and based on survey data. The statistical population of the research is made up of 508 residents of Shivand village. According to Morgan's table, 217 people were questioned. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed through elites and the reliability was also confirmed with Cronbach's coefficient equal to 0.82.

Geographical Context: In this research, Shayvand village is studied as one of the most important tourist villages of Dezpart county in Khuzestan province.

Results: The results showed that the residents of the village had a correct understanding of the Covid-19 pandemic. The average of 3.23 as well as the observed value of the test more than 3, i.e. 73 percent, also confirms this issue. This correct understanding of Corona and its effects causes the residents to react properly to the effects. Also, the examination of the results of the effects of Covid-19 on rural tourism at a level of less than 0.05 confirmed that the spread of the pandemic has had a downward trend and negative effects in terms of income, employment, the number of visitors, the sale of handicrafts and the prosperity of residences. The study of the resilience of rural tourism in dealing with the spread of the Corona virus indicates that the residents have taken 3 main measures, including adopting an approach based on effort and coping, adopting new methods of supplying products, and also turning to alternative jobs in order to reduce the effects and adapt to the pandemic have emphasized

Conclusion: The conclusion shows that Corona has had negative effects on rural tourism and these effects have been very significant from the economic aspect.
Keywords
Corona disease
sustainable tourism
rural adaptation
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 17 April 2023
  • Revise Date 12 November 2023
  • Accept Date 27 December 2023
  • Publish Date 22 May 2025