" Cognitive mapping of components for developing people-oriented cities and their importance in tourism development: A case study of Yazd province, Iran "

"Contrary to automotive, commodity-based, and money-oriented cities, a people-oriented city is an organic and systematic city based on human virtues and commune where people are concerned about each others’ rights. In such a city, humans are the main focus of urban planners, urban developers, and, most importantly, municipal decision-makers and executives. Therefore, here the biological, spiritual, and psychological needs of humans are the fundamental elements taken into account by urban management. This city, then, could unite urban spaces and tourists. Considering its great potentials, Yazd could be a good case for tourism development, building people-oriented cities, and improving the desirability of urban life. This qualitative-quantitative study sought to explore the feasibility of building a people-oriented city in Yazd province based on urban planning and the causal factors involved in this regard, intending to attract more tourists to this region. To this end, 14 interviews were conducted with tourism and urban planning experts, out of which 19 factors involved in building such a city were identified. The causal relationship between the identified factors was examined through a mixed-method approach, using the fuzzy cognitive mapping technique. The study’s findings indicated that educating the citizens, developing a sense of familiarity with the environment, and reducing environmental pollutions (soil, water, air) were the three most important factors for developing people oriented-cities in Yazd province, Iran. "