Sustainable Tourism Development in Mountainous and Forest Regions Using Digital Technologies: A Case Study of Tabriz

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor of Economics, Economic Development and Planning Group, Faculty of Economics and management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran,

2 Department of Economics, Faculty of Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Context and Purpose: The objective of this research is to identify and prioritize key features of tourism applications for mountainous and forested areas, and to examine their impact on tourist experiences and sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach: The research is designed as a descriptive-analytical study, involving data collection through a literature review and a questionnaire. The population consists of 100 tourists, local guides, and tourism experts in Tabriz. Data will be analyzed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique.

Findings: Results indicate that the key features of the application, including 'route information' and 'interactive maps' with weights of 0.15 and 0.10 respectively, are of high importance. Additionally, accommodation and dining-related features such as 'accommodation search' and 'restaurant information' also contribute to the tourist experience. Conversely, features like 'user reviews' and 'offline access' are of lesser importance.

Conclusion: This research indicates that focusing on key features of tourism applications and utilizing digital technologies can enhance the tourist experience and contribute to the sustainable development of forested areas. The findings can assist application developers and tourism planners in identifying tourist needs and designing effective strategies.

Originality/value: This research is the first of its kind to identify and prioritize key features of tourism applications specifically for mountainous and forested regions.

Keywords