درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Purpose- This study aims to examine the delivery and quality of rural tourism services from the perspective of managers of eco-lodges in Guilan Province, Iran. It also seeks to identify the key reasons behind the lack of adoption of service quality standards by these managers. The significance of the topic lies in its contribution to sustainable tourism development, enhancement of rural residents’ quality of life, and improvement of tourist satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach- This applied research employed a descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected through both library and field methods. The statistical population included all licensed eco-lodges in Guilan Province (126 units), which were studied using a census method. Data collection was carried out using the standard SERVQUAL questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 through descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, factor analysis, and the Friedman test. Findings- The results revealed a significant gap between the current quality of services and the desired standards in the eco-lodges of Guilan. Most managers perceived the official service quality standards as inefficient or impractical. The primary reasons cited included inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training, and weak supervisory systems. Research limitations/implications- The study is limited to a single province and reflects solely the managers’ viewpoints. Future research is recommended to include the perspectives of tourists and regulatory authorities. Additionally, developing and localizing service quality assessment models tailored to the characteristics of rural accommodations is suggested. Practical implications- To enhance service quality, the study recommends providing training programs for managers, improving tourism infrastructure, revising service quality indicators, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems. Showcasing successful models from other regions can also help increase the efficiency of eco-lodges. Originality/ value- By focusing on the perspectives of service providers as key stakeholders, this study offers a novel contribution and can serve as a reference for policymakers, tourism practitioners, and investors aiming to improve rural tourism service quality.

Purpose- The ongoing research endeavors to identify and critically analyze the paradigmatic rural development model embedded within Iran's spatial planning frameworks. As innovative philosophical perspectives in rural development emerge, the necessity of examining and understanding the foundational principles guiding these initiatives has become increasingly vital. This importance is recognized from a theoretical perspective and in practical efficiency and effectiveness, particularly relevant for geographers engaged in spatial analysis. Design/methodology/approach- The research aims to contribute valuable insights to enhance rural development strategies and inform effective spatial planning in Iran by exploring these dimensions. The research strategy uses a mixed-methods approach, allowing for the selection of various methods that are aligned with the overall research objectives. Initially, the qualitative content analysis method was employed. Data collection utilized several tools, including observation, document analysis, and questionnaires. A non-probability sampling technique was applied, and one document was selected from each of the nine study areas. Researchers needed to consider multiple criteria during judgmental sampling, such as clustering levels, time units, geographic units, and the number of document samples, alongside consultations with academic experts. The document analysis, grounded in qualitative content analysis, aimed to objectify findings. Findings- The research revealed that critical characteristics of the paradigmatic model for rural development in the provincial SSP include "objective ontology," "positivism epistemology," "Separate praxis," and "ethics." The findings indicate that the degree of alignment between the selected SPP and the paradigmatic model of retrogressive rural development is rated at 3.73. This score suggests that the retrogressive perspective remains dominant despite advancements in "ideological" and "institutional" reforms. Originality/value- Consequently, the characteristics associated with the paradigmatic elements of rural development have regressed within the SPP framework.