An analysis of the effects of free trade zones on the development of tourism activities and regional economic (Case Study: Aras Free Zone)

Formation of free trade zones with an effective economic mechanism, in addition to the development of tourist activities, has undergone major changes in the region's economic activities. Considering the importance of the subject, the main objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of the Aras Free Zone on the development of tourism activities and in line with that of the region's economy. The method of research in this study is a theoretical-practical and with descriptive-analytical nature. Data gathering was done by documentary-field survey method and was used to analyze the information by structural analysis method using Amos software. The statistical population of the research is officials, managers and urban elites. 200 people have been selected using snowball method as sample size. The results of the research indicate that the formation of the Aras Free Zone has had a positive impact on the development of tourism activities through attracting capital and creating infrastructure and recreational facilities. Also, the development of tourism activities in the Aras Free Zone has had a positive impact on the economy of the region, with the greatest impact on job creation, attracting domestic and foreign capital, increasing tax revenues from the economic activities related to tourism, increasing foreign exchange earnings, respectively the coefficients were 0.74, 0.71, 0.63 and 0.57. On the other hand, the development of tourism activities in the region has not been able to have a significant impact on reducing inequality of income and increasing the welfare of households.