درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Purpose- This study explores cross-cultural differences in the assessment of rural landscapes among landscape architecture experts in Iran and Sweden. The research focuses on three key indicators of landscape aesthetics: diversity, naturalness, and sense of place, aiming to understand how cultural background influences the perception and valuation of these elements in rural environments. Design/methodology/approach- A quantitative survey approach was employed using a structured questionnaire based on a 7-point Likert scale. The sample included 31 landscape architecture experts—18 from Iran and 13 from Sweden—who were selected purposively and responded via email. To analyze the data, non-parametric statistical methods were used, including the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality and the Mann–Whitney U test for comparing group differences. Findings-The results revealed that both groups valued vegetation diversity similarly, indicating a shared professional appreciation for diverse plant types. However, a significant divergence was noted in perceptions of naturalness: Iranian experts tended to associate cultivated and managed vegetation with higher natural value, while Swedish experts favored more untouched, wild natural elements. Regarding the sense of place, particularly the activity subcomponent, Iranian experts gave more weight to cultural infrastructure and traditional or religious events, reflecting the socio-cultural importance of communal and ritual activities in Iran. Practical Implications- These findings can guide rural landscape planning and design processes that are sensitive to cultural context, providing a basis for cross-cultural assessment tools tailored to differing aesthetic values. Originality/Value- The study contributes to the underexplored area of non-Western landscape perception research, offering fresh insights into how cultural frameworks shape aesthetic evaluations across distinct environmental and social settings.

Purpose-Various factors influence changes in rural lifestyles, with one of the most important being rural-urban linkages. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of rural-urban linkages in changing the lifestyle of rural households across three dimensions: social, economic, and cultural. Design/methodology/approach- The research method is descriptive-analytical, and data collection was conducted through library research for theoretical studies and via questionnaires for the field study. The statistical population includes the villages of the Lasht Nesha district in Rasht County. A sample of 360 respondents was selected using Cochran's formula and a simple random sampling method. Data were analyzed using linear regression and multivariate regression tests. Finding- The research findings regarding the linear relationship between rural-urban linkages and changes in rural household lifestyles revealed a significant relationship between these two variables. Additionally, the results showed that the most significant impacts of rural-urban linkages were in the cultural, social, and economic dimensions, respectively. Specifically, in the cultural dimension, consumerism and cultural and linguistic changes were most prominent; in the social dimension, changes in clothing and behavior; and in the economic dimension, materialism, wealth accumulation, and income generation experienced the greatest changes.

Purpose- This research aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the knowledge structure and dominant trends in the literature concerning pro-environmental tourist behavior within rural tourism studies. The study seeks to identify research gaps and map the intellectual landscape of the field for future researchers. Methodology- This study employs a scientometric approach, combining systematic review and bibliometric analysis. A total of 1,020 eligible articles published between 1985 and 2024 were identified through the Scopus database and analyzed using VOSviewer software. Co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence networks were used to analyze the knowledge structure. Findings- The results reveal that China, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Korea have the highest publication output in this field. Linnaeus University (Sweden), Sejong University (South Korea), and Lund University (Sweden) are among the most influential institutions. Keyword analysis identified three primary clusters: ecotourism, ecosystem and environmental protection, and tourism economy and market. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior, factors such as attitude, subjective and social norms, perceived behavioral control, and environmental awareness are the most significant predictors of tourists' pro-environmental behavior. Practical Implications- The findings provide valuable insights for destination managers and policymakers in developing effective strategies for sustainable tourism management. The results can serve as a basis for designing behavioral interventions and formulating evidence-based policies to promote responsible behaviors among tourists in rural destinations. Originality/Value- This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive and dynamic map of the knowledge structure and prevailing trends in pro-environmental behavior in rural tourism. By filling the gaps of previous studies, this research identifies novel research opportunities for future scholars.

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.