Geographic analysis of residential centers (with emphasis on hotels) and its role in tourism development (Case study: Behshahr City)

Residential centers are one of the important pillars of tourism that their quantity and quality play a significant role in the development of tourism in a place. Behshahr City has a world-class tourist attraction due to its diverse cultural, historical and natural attractions, but it does not suit tourism in terms of its capabilities. Considering the importance of the issue in this research, the qualitative and spatial analysis of residential centers in Behshahr city has been investigated. The type of research is applied and its method is descriptive-analytic. Statistical population of foreign and domestic tourists who settled in Beheshahr residential centers in July and August 2012 were surveyed. The sample size was calculated using the Cochran formula and 384 persons were determined. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire and then analyzed by SPSS software using Chi-square test. The results of the research indicate that improving the quality of facilities and services of residential centers will attract and develop tourism in Behshahr. There is a significant relationship between the quality of facilities and services of residential centers and the satisfaction of tourists, as well as residential centers according to the role And recreational activities in Behshahr have a good distribution.