Journal of Research and Rural Planning

Journal of Research and Rural Planning

Empirical Analysis of the Effect of Tourism Services Supply Chain on Sustainable Rural Development (Case Study: Baraghan Village, Alborz Province)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Maasoumeh Rafiee
Aeizh Azmi
Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
10.22067/jrrp.v15i1.2601-1159
Abstract
Purpose- tourist service chain is one of the concepts that all aspects of sustainable rural development are considered and by strengthening it, sustainable rural development can be achieved. the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tourism service chain on sustainable rural development in Baraghan village of Alborz province. the research method is descriptive - analytical which is used questionnaire.
Design/methodology/approach- The research employs a descriptive-analytical method using a questionnaire survey. The statistical population comprised 150 households, with 128 selected through systematic random sampling using a census approach. Data reliability was confirmed through Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = 0.76), and validity was verified by 8 geography, rural planning, and tourism management experts. Data analysis utilized Spearman correlation, regression analysis, and factor analysis with principal component extraction and Varimax rotation.
Findings- The tourism services supply chain significantly impacts rural economy, though benefits primarily accrue to non-indigenous residents. Positive effects include increased sales of complementary products (dairy, handicrafts), improved transportation infrastructure, enhanced physical village aesthetics, and expanded advertising presence. However, challenges include rising prices, agricultural land degradation, noise pollution, solid waste management issues, urban-style construction threatening vernacular architecture, and limited local product distribution. Factor analysis identified five key components: local product sales (28.12%), rural improvement (18.18%), social relations enhancement (12.19%), institutional and public-private financing (10.21%), and communication services (9.9%), collectively explaining 83.4% of variance.
Research limitations/implications- The study focuses on a single village, limiting generalizability. Cross-sectional design captures current conditions without longitudinal tracking. Future research should examine multiple rural destinations and employ mixed-methods approaches.
Originality/value- This research provides empirical evidence on tourism service chain dynamics in an Iranian rural context, offering practical insights for policymakers and planners to enhance indigenous community benefits, address environmental concerns, and promote sustainable rural development through balanced tourism service management.
Keywords
Tourism service chain
Sustainable rural development
Rural tourism
Baraghan village
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 09 January 2026
  • Revise Date 10 February 2026
  • Accept Date 10 March 2026