Analysis of Factors Affecting the Development of Tourism in Mountainous Areas (Case Study: Villages of Paveh County)

Tourism is one of the important economic approaches that can lead to the development of mountainous territories. The villages of Paveh county in Kermanshah province, despite having diverse capacities in the field of tourism, have not been able to have favorable conditions in terms of tourism. To change this situation, it is necessary to know and analyze various factors in this field. The purpose of this research is to identify and analyze the factors affecting the development of tourism in the mountainous territories as a case study of the villages of Paveh county. The research method is descriptive-analytical and based on the collection of survey data through questionnaires. The statistical population of the research was made up of tourists, whose exact statistics were not available. The sample size of 400 people was determined and the data analysis model was Swat. The result showed that the existence of diverse natural resources and suitable landscapes such as rivers, springs, forests in the village for the development of the tourism sector with a weight of 0.48 is the most important strength; inappropriateness and inadequacy of health facilities, services, accommodation and welfare facilities and equipment with a weight of 0.36, the most important weakness; The possibility of creating job opportunities for the villagers, especially the youth with a weight of 0.44the most important opportunity; Increasing the attention of the private and public sector to invest in the tourism sector in competing areas with a weighted score of 0.52 is known as the most important threat. The most important strategy for the development of tourism in the region is the defensive strategy, which shows that the various potentials of tourism should be used efficiently and the weaknesses and threats should be reduced to a minimum.
 
Extended Abstract
 
Introduction
Tourism is one of the world's keys and rapidly growing industries, playing a vital role in the economic, social, and cultural development of countries. Unlike many other civilization indicators limited by political borders, tourism transcends national boundaries. Ranking as the third-largest global industry after oil and automotive sectors, tourism significantly contributes to foreign exchange earnings and job creation worldwide. In recent decades, various branches of tourism including rural, cultural, health, adventure, and others have emerged, each playing a distinct role in sustainable settlement development. Among these, rural tourism has been recognized as an effective tool for developing underprivileged areas, enhancing local economies, preserving environmental resources, and strengthening social cohesion. However, tourism development in some regions faces challenges such as inadequate planning, natural resource degradation, and economic instability. Paveh County, endowed with diverse historical, natural, and ecological assets, stands out as a promising area for rural tourism development. Given global transformations and environmental threats, identifying the driving and inhibiting factors influencing tourism growth in this mountainous region is crucial. This study aims to analyze the factors affecting tourism development in the rural villages of Paveh County, emphasizing the local potentials and mountain environment. The findings intend to provide a foundation for informed and sustainable tourism planning in the region.
 
Methodology
This study was conducted using a descriptive-analytical and survey method. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using the SWOT model to identify factors influencing rural tourism development in three villages of Paveh County. The statistical population included tourists who visited Hajij, Khanqah, and Shamshir villages between December 2023 and June 2024. A sample size of 400 was determined using the snowball sampling method. The questionnaire’s validity was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was measured with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.781. The questionnaire consisted of questions with a five-point Likert scale, and the data were analyzed using Excel software and the SWOT framework. The SWOT model, focusing on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, helps identify internal and external factors and provides a basis for formulating policies and strategies for tourism development.
 
Results and Discussion
In this study, internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) affecting rural tourism in Paveh County were analyzed using a four-column table including factors, weight, rating, and weighted score. The most important strengths from the perspective of the statistical population included the presence of diverse natural resources and attractive landscapes such as rivers, springs, and forests (weighted score 0.48), scenic villages (0.44), and the region’s readiness for investment (0.36). Conversely, the main weaknesses identified were inadequate health and accommodation facilities (0.36), weak management and lack of tourism infrastructure such as roads (0.32), and lack of coordination between public and private institutions (0.28). Regarding external factors, the most significant opportunities included job creation for rural youth (0.44), increased motivation of the private sector to invest (0.40), government attention to planning and investment in tourism (0.36), and local people’s willingness to preserve their culture and art to attract tourists (0.24). On the other hand, major threats included increased investment competition in rival regions (0.52), insufficient awareness of tourists about the area (0.48), flood risk in villages (0.44), and the absence of a systematic structure for rural tourism development (0.36). By combining these factors, the most critical strategic factor was identified as the threat from investment competition in rival areas, with a weight of 0.52. The QSPM matrix was used to evaluate and prioritize strategies, showing that the strategy of providing better and more appropriate services and facilities in tourist sites, with a score of 14.45, was the highest priority. Revising resource distribution and increasing cooperation between public and private sectors, with scores of 14.23 and 14.01 respectively, ranked second and third. Strategies to improve facilities, develop infrastructure, and enhance regulatory management were also among subsequent priorities.
 
Conclusion
Today, tourism is one of the profitable and clean industries, receiving special attention due to its economic and environmental benefits. Each region, because of its unique geographical, economic, and social characteristics, requires appropriate planning. Paveh County, with its mountainous location, possesses significant potential for the development of rural tourism. This study analyzes the factors affecting the development of tourism in the villages of Paveh. The results indicate that the region’s main strengths are the presence of ecotourism and cultural attractions, scenic villages, and readiness for investment. Key opportunities include job creation for youth, motivation for private sector investment, and government support. Weaknesses include inadequate facilities, weak management, lack of infrastructure, and lack of coordination among institutions. Major threats involve competitive investment in rival areas, insufficient information dissemination, and flood risks. Despite structural weaknesses, by removing obstacles and implementing strategies such as improving services, revising resource distribution, enhancing cooperation between public and private sectors, and strengthening infrastructure, sustainable tourism development in Paveh can be achieved.