نشریه برنامه ریزی و توسعه گردشگری
پیاپی 5 (تابستان 1392)

There is no doubt today that tourism as a universal socioeconomic phenomenon is more than an industry and that tourism development is a political process. Despite the fact that Iran has an enviable position on world tourism map, reality however, shows something different! Its real share is as low as 1/500 of the world markets. Tourism in Iran has a fundamental difference; this difference lies on its political economy. In the current paper we attempt to analyze the causes, dimensions and their impacts on tourism. Although Iran is known as one of the world's oldest civilizations, it is eighteenth in the world in terms of size, population and economy (World Bank, 2009; UNDP, 2010). It has a unique place on world tourism map but it faces major challenges in tourism development like many developing countries, Iran faces numerous challenges for tourism development; the political economy is the most effective one in this case. This paper attempts to explore Iran's tourism as a multi-dimensional phenomenon with particular focus on the political economy of Iran. Tourism policy-making priorities which are based on a field study constitute some other parts of the current paper. In Iran tourism policies are rarely based on tourism; such policies are mostly affected by cultural, social and especially Iran's political economy. Since research on Iran's tourism policy-making is the main goal of this research, research tools and questionnaires will be used to assess the problem. The statistical population of this research are students and professors of political geography, tourism management, tour guides, managers of tourism agencies and also international tourists who visited Iran. 150 individuals were selected as sample statistical population based on personal estimation method and 10 questions were asked in closed method. Discussion and Tourism more than an industry and as a universal and dynamic social phenomenon has special complexities that are shaped by special mechanism in different places and times. Therefore, the present research believes that similar to other countries, Iran should change its political economy perspectives. It is clear that most of the tourism development plans will be limited due to lack of macro changes in policy making that are related to present trend. The wide effects of social, cultural, ideological and political economy as well as Iran's oil based economy have led to ignorance toward tourism industry as a main economic sector and a major source of revenue. The current paper pays attention to political economy. Tourism policies in Iran are more influenced by the country's political economy than from careful planning. An increase of centralization and a dependence on national economy based on oil revenues, and the growth of government, lack of social pluralism, and presenting an unreal image about Iran are negative impacts of the current political economy. In this study it is tried to explore the different dimensions of tourism that provide a proper context for its development through political approach. Accordingly this research proposes following certain policy-making priorities for the development of tourism in Iran based on the results of questionnaires and viewpoints of experts: improvement of international polices; taking and continuing the détente policy on international levels, development and improvement of foreign relations as the primary priority of the respondents, membership in international organization; membership in regional and international organizations such as UNWTO as the second priority, development of democracy; political and democracy expansion and elimination of discrimination; improvement of the administrative system; activation of embassies and foreign cultural offices, reduction of administrative barriers such as the cancellation of visa issuance limitations constitutes the fourth priority. According to the results of the present research paper the prerequisite of truism development and improvement is bringing a change in the political economy approach. In addition to the results of field research (table 2), this research proposes that the government as the main policy maker should take the following measures: a gradual replacement of government role as supplier of tourism products to policy-making and stopping its support of polices of interfering in the activities related to tourism industry in Iran; transforming ICHTO into an independent ministry and implementing special polices for increasing foreign and private investment; reconstructing and restoring tourism facilities such as accommodation and transportation; developing international tourism by membership in World Trade Organization (WTO) and UNWTO; expanding the conceptual framework for tourism as an inevitable phenomenon and introducing the negative and positive effects of tourism. The analysis indicates that (effect of Cohen Index=Ø2) the highest priority for the choice is “continuing the policy of détenteon international levels" for the improvement of tourism industry. The final section of this paper consists of several recommendations for tourism development in Iran.

Tourism impacts on host communities along with complex dimensions of tourism development and every day needs to analyze and explaining these effects be felt more than ever. This study aimed to explore the effects of tourism development on the physical characteristics and analysis of their changes. This study has been conducted by descriptive - analytical and exploratory field survey method. At first using observations and interviews to identify five early indicators of 'architecture, equipment, facilities, service, infrastructure, living spaces and environmental change' deals and then action was taken with using the questionnaire (validity and reliability have been confirmed earlier stage) to collect field data between the two groups in the local population (N = 310) and local experts (N = 30) randomly. Discussions and The results obtained with SPSS software and Pearson correlation, single-sample t-test and linear regression analyzes were and at the end, the conclusion was that the development of tourism and changes in the spatial relationship between East GPS villages, there is a direct positive and tourism development led to positive and negative changes in different physical aspects have been studied villages. In identifying the possible effects of tourism development indicators were identified, the local group, and the architectural style of the group of experts, indicators of environmental change in the maximum amount of explaining the situation.

Charming nature, farm life, traditional architecture and social life are some of the most important components of tourist attractions; they are also some of the most important potentials of rural areas in making profit out of rural tourism boom. One important reason why these areas did not flourish can be the neglect shown toward these regions. Tourism can be strengthened through creating employment and forging new sources of income. Both eco-tourism and rural tourism enjoy a high rate of revenues. Despite this, Iran lies at the bottom of world ranking when it comes to eco and rural tourism. The Abyanehvillage in Isfahan province, for example, can be a good example of a tourist destination that can attract a huge number of both international as well as domestic tourists due to its natural and environmental features, natural landscape and architecture. The current paper uses a descriptive analysis method of research. In terms of evaluation and analysis the SWOT technique is used. The points that are in connection with the internal and external factors are in the list of matrices, then according to the experts, the rank and the coefficients among the numbers zero to one and one to four in the respective matrices are inserted and in accordance with the coefficients of internal and external factors and according to the number of + 2.5 and –2.5 are analyzed. Finally, according to the number specified in the SWOT model the intended strategy is offered. Thus, the consistent strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats matrix of an important tool that can be used to compare the information and to provide four types of strategies are utilized. Discussion and As previously noted, the use of the eco-museum and rural tourism and also sustainable development policies require a rigorous planning management. Hence, by using the distributed statistical community questionnaire and by taking advantage of the SWOT analysis, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting tourism development in eco-museum in the village of Abyaneh can be identified. The findings of the first stage of the analysis (internal factor) shows that the score of the assessment on internal factors have been less than 2.5; namely 2/42, and that represents the internal weaknesses in the system. The findings of the second stage of the analysis (external factors) on the matrix of the external factors, shows the final score of 2.3, which is less than number 2.5 that indicates adverse conditions. But the difference between the scores of domestic and foreign factors represent the internal factors in comparison to foreign status. And rating obtained in connection with external factors indicates that the threats are more than opportunities, that based on the analysis of SWOT technique the strategy of this kind of conditions is aggressive and has got the executive ability to remove the weaknesses. In order to change the current mode, it needs specific strategies; in this section they are based on the result of the combined final score of the internal and external factors in SWOT, and the type of strategy is determined according to the greatest number of round. According to the final results of the SWOT analysis matrix, the historical context component and cultural customs component of the village are considered the most important components of strengths. The lack of service facilities in the village is highlighted as the first noticeable and the component of ignoring the role of the countryside as the key to rural development is seen as the last weaknesses on the way of tourism development. In addition to these, creating new economic opportunities for native residents is considered as one of the most important opportunities; moreover, having an investment in the infrastructure was identified as the lowest important external opportunity for the development of tourism and the development of villages. Among external threats, the vulnerability of the rural culture and the destruction of village texture were taken as the main weaknesses in the management and planning of tourism in rural areas. The results of the research indicated that the creation of rural tourism and eco-museum in the village of Abyaneh has significantly affected the economic, social and environmental dimensions of the country sides. This can spread prosperity and social justice in rural areas and increase local people's income and reduce poverty; it can also lead to environmental sustainability. Hence, in order to reduce poverty, discourage emigration, create jobs, and preserve traditional culture of villages it is essential to develop sustainable rural tourism. In the planning process and the development of rural tourism, local and rural people's participation and decision-making is inevitable; this is meant to maintain economical, social and environmental benefits of the people of the region. Therefore, the participation of local people in the planning and development of tourism activities is imperative and inevitable.

Geomorphosites are the geomorphologic landforms that are formed in special places, during times after actions and reactions of internal and external factors. Geomorphosites have a great role on identification of paleogeomorphologic evolutions of a site. By evaluation of the key elements of normal landform we can obtain overall value of geomorphosites. considering the fact that geomorphosites have educational, research and cartographic target values in tourism industry, these characteristics can lead to economic values. Geomorphosites have two original values of scientific (by reconstructing some palegeographic features) and value added (cultural, historical, ecologic, economic and aesthetics) in relation to human understanding. We can introduce geomorphosites as landform features and geomorphologic processes s that are important for identity of the earth evolutions. Karaj- Chaloos way is one of the ways that connect southern regions of Alborzmountain to northern slope of these mountainous range. This way accompanied by Theran- Ghazvin –north highway and Haraz way important ways that ends to Northern regions of Iran. This way by passing through beautiful geomorphologic sites that situated in it (such as karaj river, Amir kabir Dam, many springs and falls, dense forests, nice summits, piedmont plains and etc.) is one of unique ways because of its nostalgic values and from tourism point of view. Evaluation of some landforms in Karaj- Chaloos way from the point of touristic view is subject of this research to show some of its sites potentials for enhancing and developing touristic potentials in relation to sustainable development. We used data and tools in this research, the main ones are a) research data including base maps (TehranandMarzan- abad 1:100000 geologic maps,Karaj, Tajrish, Gajreh and Asara 1:50000 topographic maps). b) Documentary data including research literature and library studies. c) Obtained data from the field research and photography of selected geomorphosites and questionnaire compilations. At first we study documentary and library literature and select related ones and classified them. Then field work, observation and photographs from sites done. In next stage we prepare a questionnaire based on Komansco method and ask 15 persons related to the subject and area to compile it(5 geomorphologic inspectors, 5 tourism inspectors, 5 local persons, familiar to the region). Komansco method (2012) is based on 5 values(scientific, aesthetics, cultural, economic and managerial).The final score of every value obtained by averaging some sub factor. There are 8 sub factors in scientific value (Paleogeographic attraction, agent, rareness, completeness, and scientific awareness, application for educational goal, ecologic importance, and diversity). Overall score of this value is 20.We used interviews, questionnaires to fill, tables for every landform data based on Comanescu method for further statistical surveys. Discussion and The research result shows that Sharestanak valley and Pol e ahanygeomorphosites get the highest and the lowest scores(14.61 and 11.23) among selected landforms of the research correspondingly.Sepahsalar basin, Khor basin, Karaj dam lake, Yakhmorad cavern lanforms get 2nd to 5th scores (14.4, 13.74.13.67. and 12.47) correspondingly, too. We can conclude that high score of Shahrestanak valley is because of diversity of geomorphosiets that situated inside it, such as hiking ways, Clear river, springs, rich vegetations, snow covered summits and Nasey palace. Average managerial and application scores for Khor basin is 15.20, average economic value of Shahrestanak is 15.36, average cultural score of Sepahsalar basin is 15.70, average aesthetic score of Karaj dam lake is 15.7 and average scientific value of Shahrestanak valley was 15.53 which were the most averages among other geomophosites. Score obtained of cultural value for Sepahsalar Basin was highest score among scores obtained for all landforms. Shahrestanak valley, Yakhmoradcavern,Khor basin, Karaj dam lake (because of its monumental value, meetings held around it)were among sites that have great cultural values. Differences among groups of geomorphosites approved and statistical equation of them were rejected, which means that at least one of the scoring groups, have difference by other groups in the point of average scores obtained. Statistical surveys show that there was not any error among geomorphosites groups in this research inside attended persons in filling questionnaires.

Today, tourism is an important source of income and an important factor in cultural exchanges among countries. However, in order to boost this activity, there should be attempts at clarifying the legal status of international tourists and domestic tourists. Development of international tourism and along with it arrival of foreign tourists there is need to better clarify the rules and regulations that can help protect the rights of tourists. Formulation and enforcement of rules relating to tourism, in fact is an attempt to speed up and target tourism activities. In Iran, however, drafting regulations in many cases, not only did not help accelerate the emergence of tourism-related activities but also it did not even help in solving the problems related to visa and passport in. Although tourism rules in Iran are set under the rules and regulations of the country's Cultural Heritage Organization, it seems the rules have shortcomings that need to be reviewed and improved. Given the importance of this issue, the need for a vibrant tourism activity is not merely for economic goals and for generating revenues, but to restore Iran's position in the regional and international arena. The weaknesses and shortcomings have been influenced by several different factors. This paper seeks to explore these factors and attempts to determine their effectiveness using the ANP. The research methodology used in this article is descriptive - analytical. In order to determine the relationships and dependencies between these criteria, DEMATEL method is used. This approach was conducted in super-decision software. To do this, 57 questionnaires were answered by experts. The results of the questionnaires which were gained by the Copeland model were assessed. Then, the super matrix analysis of the network and the weights of criteria and sub-criteria were computed, respectively. In the framework of the survey done using analytic network process among the three main criteria surveyed, the structural-managerial factors (with 0/184), administrator factors (with 0/140) and content factors (with 0/098) played the main role in the weakness and insufficiency of tourism.Though each of these criterias and insufficiency of tourism rules have a direct and signification relationship but based on research findings, structural-managerial factors are the most effective on weakness and insufficiency of tourism rules. Alternative S1 ​​(multiplicity of decisions centers and overlapping tasks of organization) is an important component in structural - managerial criteria with a value of 0/045; this has the greatest impact on the weakness of tourism rules. After that, alternative E5 (lack of monitoring of relevant organizations on the enforcement of tourism rules) which is a component executive criteria has the greatest impact on the shortcomings of tourism rules. Also, the analysis indicates that the sub-criteria C3 (old tourism rules in Iran and out of date rules according to needs of society) which is one of the components of content criteria,has the least impact on the weakness of tourism rules. Survey shows that the Iran has a poor legislative policy when it comes to tourism. A large number of organizations and decision-making bodies are witnessing huge inconsistencies among the various tasks, when it comes to rules and regulations related to tourism industry in Iran. This can lead to sizable loss of time and money; it can even interfere in people's jobs and responsibilities.

Rural tourism development needs to enjoy a high level of experience. Agriculture has been the primary industry and there needs to be an adaptation to the service role. Businesses based on rural tourism are smaller and newer than other forms of economic activities in the rural areas. They are located in remote areas with a low capital base and function with low-level skills. Experience in tourism and the development of tourism business and infrastructure can stimulate local economies providing rural population with an alternative income. Rural tourism is very diverse and fragmented in terms of operational structures, activities, markets and operating environments. Rural economies are limited by two factors: they are either based on agricultural production or,in many developed countries, they are impacted by government policies. Most rural tourism businesses are small, owner-operated, and act as a second income, and so they are generally not earning a lot of money. This income is still important, however, as it increases the economic viability of businesses on and off. One of the most basic economic problems of the agricultural sector in Iran is a low average rural income. Despite the high potential of tourism in rural areas of Iran, it is essential to pay attention to the context for creating and developing tourism-oriented activities t in rural areas. The method of research used for this research is descriptive survey. The data used were collected through questionnaires, interviews with local people, and also through researcher observation. A researcher-made questionnaire was utilized with acceptable validity. The reliability of the research was measured through a pilot study conducted in Seyed Abad village of Taleghan in Alborz province with Cronbakh’s Alpha value (0/97). The population con Statistical population of study has been the local residents of seven villages of Suleghan of county of Ka’an (Suleghan, Rendan, KesharOlya, ImamzadehDavood, Sangan, Kigah and Verdij) with a population of 2767. The statistical sample involves 300 people according to the table of Morgan and Tucman through random sampling. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software. Discussion and About 3/27% (82 units) had the participation experience in a variety of businesses related to the small and medium enterprise. The minimum rate of participation in the tourism business was one year's work experience and the highest level was 23 years. Tourism activities in this region, generally speaking, did not have a suitable boom and tourism business had not been known as a reliable and stable source of income by the local residents. This shows that in rural economy, tourism activities are at a low level in the residents of the region’s baskets of income and tourism activity is limited in various parts. The best platform for tourism business development belonged to the construction of garages, parking lots, and biking tracks. Indeed, local people have adapted the needs of tourists. Younger respondents and participants of the tourism sector with lower income levels showed more positive attitude toward creating tourist activities in the rural region. Rural communities often look for a few immediate benefits and short-term goals this is largely due to fatalism, social connections, limited knowledge and skills. Results showed that women showed more optimism toward creating diverse tourism enterprises in comparison to men in the region. The result showed that women were more eager in participating rural tourism activities.

Nowadays, tourism regard as one of important industry in the world. Most of economical analyzers believe that tourism industry stands at the third place after oil and automobile industry by creating 110 million direct jobs. And also it is expected that by increasing the number of travels and the tourism development in different countries, in the following years, the importance of this industry will be increased more than before. (Ghaffari and Turki, 2009). Recently, tourism industry has a special place in the economic section of countries and it has an active and effective role in promoting economical, social and cultural structure specially in developing countries, as the number of international interactions shows that more than %10 of interactions start with tourism industry and in some countries the resulting revenues considered as one of the major sources to develop national economic (Sanaee,2007). Tourism development is a major phenomenon occurred in the recent years of 20th century which continues rapidly in the new century. Rising revenues, increasing leisure time, new changes and attitudes in life concepts and the necessary of international provision lead to intensive development of tourism (Sharpleya and Vassb, 2006). Main objective of this paper is the survey of environmental impact of tourism on coastal areas of the Mazandaran located in northern Iran. This research is a cross-sectional study. Inhabitants of Mazandaran coastal are the statistical community in this survey from which 270 people were chosen according to Kokran formula in a simple sampling method. The main tool of this survey is a questionnaire which refers to trainers decision and evaluation include the members of scientific panel to assure the face and content validity of questionnaire. To examine the reliability of questionnaire, KronbakhAlphay was applied and the scales of questionnaire were above %82 in all the causes the collected data were analyzes using SPSS software. For analysis and deduction of data, variants scale and intended objectives, descriptive statistic method was used such as average, statistical analysis methods like single sample t and spearman correction coefficient. It is essential to note that, developing seaside tourism regards as independent variant in this survey and its negative effects on environment considers as dependent variant. Totally this research is done in order to reply to these 2 main questions: 1)Is there a significant relation? tourism development and environmental effects in Mazandaran’s seaside? 2)Does seaside tourism development have a negative effects on seaside environment from the inhabitants point of view? Discussion and Single sample T test was applied in order to evaluate (negative and positive) effects of tourism development from inhabitants point of view. In this regard, considering the fact that answers are set in a 3-choice format, number 2 regards as medium as a result, if the average of replier's score is more than medium, this means that most of repliers pay more attention to intended result and choose "I agree" choice. On the basis of research findings, 7 positive results of tourism development were significant and they were confirmed. Coastal tourism is a separate category comparing to other sources of tourism. By accelerated growth rate in tourism, coastal environment must endure a lot of pressure, this needs more consciousness in achieving an environment which forms the basis of tourism industry. Tourism growth leads to many sources for coastal regions, however not scheduled development causes environmental damages. For example, not scheduled tourism with unhealthy managing system, and thus, sewage pollution results from tourism settlement, leads to sea inhabitant located near sea line. The results also show that these people were not satisfied with health (sanitary) and welfare facilities provided and in terms of desirability and quality rating of beaches were at moderate to good levels. About %23 of these same people do not approve of these coastal areas in terms of desirability and durability and most residents believe that hotels, restaurants and leisure centers play an important role in causing major negative environmental consequences.

The tourismindustry is of such a great importance to both the developing and developedcountries that a good deal of investment and planning is devoted to it. Morestudies should be done in this industry for the development and improvement oftourism at national and trans-national levels(ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSIONFOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, 2007: 4). Based on the statistics and reports,it has been presented by theWorldTourism Organization (WTO) in 2012that about 450 million tourists have traveledin May and August 2011 (WTO, 2012). Many authors believe that thedevelopmentofthetourism industry needs thecooperation and coordination of differentenvironmental, cultural, economic, political, and social factors (Getz, 2002: 775), (Amirtahmasb, 2008: 20). On the other hand, there are several factorsinfluencingthe tourists’ decision about traveling to a destination. Word of mouth, which is one of the effective factors in the decisions that tourists make abouttraveling to a certain destination, is defined as the informal information thatevery tourist receives from his/her relatives, family members, friends, andcolleagues. This is why the present study attempts to study the effects of the wordof mouth communications on the tourists’ traveling decision. Materials and This study is practically goal-orientedand is a descriptive survey study in terms of methodology.One hundred tourists havebeenselected as sample members. In order to collect the research data, aquestionnaire with 25 items has been used. Thereliability and validity of thisquestionnaire has been also examined and confirmed by the previous research,however,theauthors in this study examined thereliability and validity. The SPSS is themain statistical software that has been used by authors for analyzing theresearch data and testing the hypotheses. Discussion andThe results of thestudy revealed that wordof mouth is an effective factor inthe tourists’ decisionabouttraveling to atourism destination. Based on this finding, it can be said that the presentactual tourists who travel to Iran can be considered as the main source ofencouraging potential tourists for traveling to Iran, especially Shiraz. Also, the results indicated that the expertknowledge and the similarity of the source of informationare the two mainfactors in using word of mouth communication. In other words, the tourists whouse word of mouth communicationsas the main source of information for travelingpayattention to the expertise and similarity.Alsothe analysis of the demographicfeatures revealed that age and educationare the two main effective factors intheuse of word of mouth the source traveling information. In other words,theelderly and the less educated touristsuse word of mouth communication more thanothers. Also, the results of this study revealed that female tourists use wordof mouth communications more than males. Conclusions; As the results of our study demonstrated, word of mouth communication influences the tourists’ decision about travelingto a destination. Therefore, it can be said that the tourists present in Irancan be considered as the main sources of advertisementforthetourismdestination among potential tourists. The results also indicated that the PerceivedSpecialty andthe Perceived Similarity are the two main factors in using word ofmouth communication. In other words, the tourists who use word of mouthcommunications as the main source of information for traveling pay attention tothe Perceived Specialty and Similarity. On the other hand, the results revealedthat age, gender, and educationare the main effective factors in the use ofword of mouth as the source of information. The results of this study aresupported by many studies that have been done in this area across the world. Itcan be suggested based on the findings of our study that offering good servicesthetourists who have been to the tourism destination before can encourage them toadvertise the tourism destination among potential tourists. On the other hand, it can be suggested that the expertise and similarity of the source ofinformation have a great role in encouraging the tourists to travel to acertain tourism destination.

Cities and tourism are mutually complementary, as all types of tourism somehow need urban services and centers. Therefore, any planning for tourism development should take into account the capabilities of cities in providing direct and indirect services. Large urban projects in tourism sector can play a significant role in urban tourism boom. Currently, Shandiz upcountry and its surrounding areas are quite well-known and act as a tourist attraction for people living in Mashhad metropolis in regional level, and for pilgrims of Imam Reza (AS), the eighth Shia Imam, at the national level. However, in recent years, there have been major investments in urban mega projects (Padideh dreamland) which already have affected the urban structure of Shandiz before the plan is inaugurated. Therefore, the main research questions are "What are the effects of Padideh Tourism Company on urban development of Shandiz, in the short run? And "What are the differences between the ideas of experts working in the company and those in government and non-governmental organizations about the consequences of Padideh Tourism Company on Shandiz?" With regard to the aim of the study, this is an applied one, but methodologically, this is a descriptive-analytical study. Some parts of the research data were collected using field studies and by means of questionnaires, and the other parts of the data, such as the conceptual-theoretical framework, documents and census data were obtained by library research. To explore the effects of Padideh Tourism Company, we enquired 18 experts (9 from Padideh Tourism Company, and 9 from associated institutions and organizations); to complete the questionnaires we personally went to the offices of the related organizations and institutions. It should be noted that, before developing the questionnaire, in a round of interviews, the company's overall impact on the development of Shandiz was considered and then we proceeded to develop the questionnaires. Having collected the data, to analyze the effects of Padideh Tourism Company, we used the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and Expert Choice software for paired comparisons, generating hierarchies, and calculating the weights and conflicts in hierarchical process. To conduct a comparative analysis between experts of Padideh Tourism Company and experts of government and non-governmental organizations, we employed two-sample t-test in SPSS. According to the research questions, the following hypotheses were constructed: It seems that the Padideh Tourism Company in the short run left the greatest impact on the economic dimensions of urban development in Shandiz. It seems that there is no difference between the views of experts working in the Padideh Tourism Company and those working in government and non-governmental organizations about the consequences of Padideh Tourism Company on Shandiz. Discussion and Our findings suggest that in economic dimension, the index of new direct and indirect employment opportunities in the city (employment) with a coefficient of 0.365, and the index of investment by locals and non-locals in Shandiz (investment) with a coefficient of 0.179 respectively had the largest and lowest impacts. In social dimension, the index of the impact of the Padideh Tourism Company on attracting tourists and their longer stay in Shandiz (tourist attraction) with a coefficient of 0.280, and the index of demand for specialized labor force for major projects in various economic sectors (attracting skilled labor force) with a coefficient of 0.146 respectively had the highest and lowest impacts. In physical dimension, the index of rise in construction projects, physical development and land use changes (physical development of the city) with a coefficient of 0.453 and the index of improvement in transport infrastructure and urban road networks (urban transport development) with a coefficient of 0.169 respectively had the largest and the lowest impacts. In exploring the environmental effects, the index of rise in unplanned development and violating environmental principles and standards in construction projects, and land destruction due to presence of Padideh Tourism Company (none-standard use of land in the city) with a coefficient of 0.349 and the index of direct or indirect changes caused by Padideh Tourism Company to the natural landscape (change in natural landscape) with a coefficient of 0.299 respectively had the highest and lowest impacts. In exploring the effect of Padideh Tourism Company on economic, socio-cultural, physical-spatial and environmentaldimensions, from expert's view, the research findings suggest that the variable of economic consequences with a coefficient of 0.545 and the variable of environmental changes with a coefficient of 0.082 respectively had the highest and lowest impacts. The research findings show that based on data collected in the survey of expert's view, among the variables associated with the presence of Padideh Tourism Company, the economic effects with the weighting coefficient of 54.5% and the environmental impact with the weighting coefficient of 8.2% respectively had the highest and lowest importance. Accordingly, the first research hypothesis is confirmed. To respond the second research question, namely, whether 'there is any difference between the views of the experts working in the Padideh Tourism Company and those working in government and non-governmental organizations about the consequences of Padideh Tourism Company on Shandiz', according to two-sample t-test based on analysis of variance, we find that of 15 indices and 4 variables, only in two indices of public transportation development and non-standard use of land, the assumption of unequal variances is confirmed. Therefore, in majority of indices and variables, there are no significant differences between the views of two groups of experts; therefore, the second hypothesis is also confirmed. According to surveys conducted during the research process and the results obtained, the following suggestions are made: In the economic dimension, if Padideh Tourism Company pursues an approach of employing local labor force, and if the taxes that the company and its associated units pay are allocated to management and urban development of the city, one could be hopeful of future economic boom in the city. To give due attention to Shandiz as a quiet place enjoying economic and societal security which can possess the brand name of "the peaceful city" with the goal of attracting more tourists to the area. Due to probably high price of land and housing in the future, the demographic composition of Shandiz will change and a multi-layer social context will be created, to the extent that native residents will probably constitute a minority and make way for social conflicts in the area. Therefore, in line with the scenario of social justice and sustainable development, more attention should be given to native inhabitants of the city.

Information and communication technology have greatly improved the efficiency of this industry among customers and tourism enterprises and organizations (Dimitrios Buhalis & Law, 2008; Michopoulou, Buhalis, Michailidis, & Ambrose, 2007). Therefore, tourism enterprises can introduce themselves to potential customers without geographical and time limit and tourists can acquire what they need with appropriate speed and accuracy and pay for such services (Büyüközkan & Ergün, 2011). These countries do not have enough capabilities for enforcing their e-tourism infrastructures, and lack of these facilities and communication services in the world today means not being aware of commercial and tourism destinations of such countries (Dimitrios Buhalis & Law, 2008). Therefore in this study, regarding the priorities of e-tourism to traditional channels, and examining the research in this context, we need to detect significant distinctions based on those differences, we identify and prioritize the factors affecting the development of e-tourism in country. After studying the literature and background for the issue, we can categorize these factors based on conception and content listed below. · IT Infrastructures (Hardware-Software): E-tourism service delivery with appropriate quality, needs preparation of proper software, hardware and network infrastructure, and the related interfaces for supporting processes that are related to e-tourism services (Berger et al., 2006; D. Buhalis & OConnor, 2005; Kim, 2004). Such development can be facilitated to some extent by governments. · Information Systems (IS): With the development of new technologies, information systems are trying to make their way on this industry. These systems, with complex structures and databases have access to tourists. · Governmental and managerial policies: Governments and governmental managements play a significant role in tourism development, especially official and public tourism. Today, on average, 7 to 10 percent of careers in the world are based on tourism industry. But in Iran, absence of governmental management policies focusing on provisions and practical infrastructure of tourism prevents the proper effect of tourism industry on national income. · Cultural and social elements: In this section, we consider the main elements of this research. Surely, elements such as religion and culture are among critical and substantial factors in all practical fields, but these elements are not fully controllable. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach was used to validate the research model. Here, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using LISREL 8.54 is employed to perform the analysis. Prior to factor analysis, a test was conducted to verify the adequacy of the 174 questionnaire data for CFA. The research sample consists of CEOs or technical managers of tour and travel agencies (private/public) working in Tehran. Discussion and Although it was said that there is a shortage of studies regarding detection of factors affecting e-tourism in the world, conclusions drawn from this study support previous studies, especially in developing countries (e.g. Alghafri, 2009; Kamel & El Sherif, 2001)) or in Iran (e.g. Farzamnia, Nasserzadeh, & Nalchigar, 2009)). A) Governmental and managerial field: In this field, elements such as "national encouraging tools" and "security of Tourism business atmosphere" are among the most important issues affecting tourism improvement. Also, the support senior of management in private and public sectors is an influential variable on e-tourism. So, it is suggested that practitioners in e-tourism policy making provide provisions in order to create encouraging packages and security in tourism business atmosphere. B) Software and applications field: the second priority in the evolution of tourism is the development of software and applications in virtual tourism environment. Elements such as 3D pictures and games based on virtual trips in this regard are considered important. So, it is suggested that tourism organizations go through the development of digital and virtual content and use virtualization technologies and digital games for making this field attractive for tourists. C) Hardware and infrastructures: Regarding infrastructures and hardware as a prerequisite in every technology, we can see how important it is. In this field, according to weight factors, variables such as network infrastructures, interfaces and med wares are suggested. D) Cultural and social factors: According to priorities reached in data analysis, Internet and computer permeability rate, alongside with economic power, can lead to e-tourism and virtual tourism, so it is suggested that in order to cultivate culture, using electronic services and virtual tourism, appropriate programs in national and regional levels must be planned and implemented. E) Supporting information systems: According to statistical information systems and priorities of parameters such as application of semantic web in virtual and electronic tourism and the importance of supporting systems such as inventory and planning of destinations and reservations, it is suggested that public and private departments should be improved before entering e-tourism, they must invest on supporting systems such as reservation, inventory planning and trip planning. In this study, with the aim of factors affecting e-tourism evolution, and with literature review, while identification of parameters and variables of tourism evolution; we draw a conceptual model on factors affecting tourism evolution. Theoretical studies show that new trends in tourism in developed countries, based on integration of software and hardware through network, using diverse information systems, support of public sectors for e-tourism and cultural and social infrastructures are greatly enhancing the importance of tourism as a new industry in the world. The results show that Iran needs planning, development and more investments on these factors in order to improve this industry.