Factors Affecting the Lut Desert Tourism in Iran: Developing an Interpretive-Structural Model

Beniamino Murgante, Mohammad Eskandari Sani, Sara Pishgahi, Moslem Zarghamfard and Fatemeh Kahaki
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Beniamino Murgante: School of Engineering, University of Basilicata 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Mohammad Eskandari Sani: Urban Planning Department of Geography, University of Birjand, Birjand 717434765, Iran
Sara Pishgahi: Department of Urban Planning, University of Art, Tehran 1136813518, Iran
Moslem Zarghamfard: Geography and Urban Planning, University of Tarbiat Modares, Tehran 14115111, Iran
Fatemeh Kahaki: Geography and Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417935840, Iran

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 13, 1-16

Abstract: The Lut desert is one of the largest and most attractive deserts in Iran. The value of desert tourism remains unclear for Iran’s economy and has only recently been taken into consideration by the authorities, although its true national and international value remains unclear. This study was aimed at investigating the factors that influence tourism development in the Lut desert. Data collected through the purposive sampling method was analyzed using Interpretive Structural Modeling and the MICMAC Analysis. According to the results, cost-effective travel expenses, security, and safety provided in the desert, together with appropriate media advertising and illustration of the Lut desert (branding) are the leading factors that influence tourism in the Lut desert in Iran. This paper highlighted the importance of desert tourism, especially in this region.

Keywords: tourism; desert tourism; Lut desert; Iran (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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