نقش گردشگری در تاب‌آوری اقتصادی روستاییان مطالعه موردی: شهرستان اردبیل

A B S T R A C T
Achieving development, especially rural development, is a chief goal of all societies undoubtedly. To realize development, rural areas need to increase resilience to all kinds of upcoming uncertainties. Economic factors, in the meanwhile, play a significant role and if neglected, it can inflict irreparable damage on these regions and even the whole society. In this regard, the main purpose is to investigate the role of tourism in the economic resilience of the villagers (Case study: Ardebil city). Methodologically, the study, in terms of nature, is applied research and in terms of descriptive-analytical method is quantitative. Data collection methods conducted through filling out questionnaire, documentary review, and field study. For data analysis various techniques were used including SPSS software, one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, F one-way ANOVA, and Fisher test. The analysis of data demonstrated that rural tourism enhanced the economic resilience in the studied villages economically. In addition, the results of Pearson correlation test indicated a significant relationship between tourism and economic resilience. Finally, the role of tourism is evaluated positively and constructively in prevailing economic resilience. Furthermore, the employees of private, livestock, and agriculture sectors have evaluated the role of tourism in economic resilience more positive than other occupational groups.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Ardabil County has always welcomed tourists from all over Iran and even foreign countries due to its natural and cultural attractions. The villages of this county, with their pristine and beautiful nature, cultural attractions, and pleasant weather, have always witnessed the presence of tourists and nature lovers in these areas in the summer. This is expected to have an impact on the economic and social dimensions of these areas, increasing income in these villages and increasing the resilience of these areas. The resilience of the villages of Ardabil County against economic hardships is an important issue, and failure to pay attention to it will have undesirable consequences, including poverty and migration, the consequences of which will also affect urban areas. In the meantime, tourism can play an important role in the resilience of these areas. For this reason, it is important to examine the role of tourism and the effects it can have in this regard. Because by understanding how social and economic factors are affected by tourism, an important step can be taken in the development of these areas by providing solutions for more appropriate planning. This research aims to investigate the role of tourism on the economic resilience of these regions in order to further explain this issue and to provide suggestions for increasing the role of tourism in the economic resilience of rural areas of the study area. The main question of the research is whether tourism has caused social and economic resilience in the study area?
 
Methodology
The present study, in nature, is applied and in terms of descriptive-analytical method is quantitative research. Data collection methods conducted through filling out questionnaire, documentary review, and field study. For data analysis various techniques were used including SPSS software, one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, F one-way ANOVA, and Fisher test.
 
 
 
Results and discussion
In this study, the role of tourism was investigated in the economic resilience of the villagers of Ardebil city. According to the results, the role of tourism is evaluated positively and constructively in creating economic resilience. Tourism has led to the development of infrastructure and improvement of the transportation system of the studied villages. Authors such as Ali Akbarian (2010) and Khoshrou (2009) have also confirmed same results in their research in the villages of Esfarayen and Qouchan. People's strong tendency to invest in the village on the one hand, the construction of suites, guest houses and rental rooms and new shops on the other hand confirm this. There are obvious evidences in this regard such as accelerating the asphalt of the road of Gachso and Afratakhteh villages and the significant increase of transportation services in Ziarat and Farsian, along with paying a special attention to Radkan and Jahannama villages issues. Furthermore, the understanding of the effects of tourism in the villages of Ardebil city has been obtained differently based on the job status of the residents. In other words, villagers who were active in rural-related tourism jobs had a more positive viewpoint of this issue. This finding is in line with the findings of Sanagustin et al. (2018) and Ebrahimi and Yaghoubi (2010).
In line with the research findings, below suggestions are provided in policy, executive, and functional levels:

Devise a comprehensive tourism plan in the field of research in order to fully identify the capabilities, bottlenecks, capacities and natural, cultural and service facilities, as well as prioritize needs and urgent and planned act to remove the obstacles on the way of tourism development in the region;
Formation and strengthening of associations and non-governmental organizations in the field of rural tourism with the direct supervision of "rural tourism institutions" and the establishment of offices or institutions called the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization. as well as establishment of the city and village administration in rural areas with more capabilities and central position in the region;
Collecting, informing, explaining and explicating the rules, regulations and instructions of tourism for villagers and volunteers who are eager to operate or invest in this area;
Implementing educational-promotional programs in order to train local guides and increase the awareness of rural communities about the consequences of developing the tourism industry in the area and providing a platform for interaction with tourists;
Necessary planning and investment in order to improve human development indicators in rural areas with regard to the direct and indirect effects of these indicators on sustainable development of rural tourism industry and its positive transformation;
The executive apparatus can play a crucial role in enhancing the social and economic resilience of the villagers through education and information. The government can also promote the social and economic capabilities of rural communities through providing of service and healthcare facilities, the development of accommodation and welfare facilities, the provision of infrastructure services and raising public awareness through educational programs.

 
Conclusion
Due to the role of tourism in poverty alleviation, in recent years, it has been regarded as a significant factor in the transformation and development of rural areas. Because tourism has many advantages compared to other economic sectors, it is treated as a critical component to improve the viability of rural areas, stimulate the revitalization of settlements, and enhance the living conditions of rural communities. In fact, it is a catalyst for the reconstruction, economic and social development of rural areas. The results of this study confirm that tourism has a positive and constructive role in creating economic resilience in the villages of Ardebil city. In addition, the infrastructure development and improvement of the transportation system of the region would be accelerated by enhancing tourism capacities.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.