Analysis and Evaluation of the Evolution of Tourist Destinations Using the Combined Persuade-Allen-Butler Model (STLC) A Case of Tourist Destinations in Kurdistan Province

The life cycle of tourism destinations in Iran is a relatively new subject that offers a valuable framework for understanding the dynamics of tourist activities and planning their transformation towards sustainable tourism. This study aims to evaluate target villages for tourism development in Kurdistan province using the integrated model of Prescott, Allen, and Butler (Sustainable Tourism Life Cycle - STLC). The evolution of sustainable tourism in these villages is assessed based on the STLC model. The sample size for this research consists of 356 individuals. The survey results indicate that most of the studied villages are in the intervention and conflict stages or at the early stages of development in the sustainable tourism life cycle. The primary strategy recommended for villages in the intervention and conflict stages is community participation and the expansion of tourism infrastructure.