Providing a Model for the Competitiveness of Religious Tourism Using DEMATEL and Structural Equation Modeling

The aim of this paper is to identify and rank indices as well as sub-indices influence Religious tourism in Qom province by using of DEMATEL and Structural Equation Modeling in order to provide the competitive model. Aiming at providing officials and policymakers of tourism industry in Qom province with understanding and applied knowledge in relation to identification of indices influencing tourism competitiveness, this research is an applied one objectively and a descriptive_ survey one in terms of data collection method. In this research, initially, (sub) indices of competitiveness of tourism industry are evaluated by studying the research literature and surveying experts. In order of finalize indices of competitiveness of travel and tourism in Qom province، 35 academic and executive experts in the field of tourism in Qom province were surveyed. Using DEMATEL technique, next, internal and causal relationships among these indices were identified. Finally; Structural Equation were modeled by providing the model obtained from internal relationships among variables with DEMATEL technique and by testing the model in software environment. Research results indicate that tourism policies as well as cultural and natural resources are the most influential factors in increasing competiveness of tourism industry in Qom province.