Economic Impact Analysis of Sustainable Tourism on the Improvement of Rural Spatial Justice: A Case Study of Binalood County (Torghabeh and Shandiz)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Urban & Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili,Ardabil,Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Urban & Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili,Ardabil,Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Urban & Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili,Ardabil,Iran.

4 PhD Student in Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili,Ardabil,Iran.

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the economic impacts of sustainable tourism on spatial justice in Binalud County (Torqabeh and Shandiz). The main objective of this research is to identify and propose effective strategies for achieving spatial justice within the process of sustainable tourism development. In terms of purpose, the study is applied in nature, and in terms of methodology, it is descriptive–analytical. The statistical population consists of 54 villages in Binalud County, from which 19 villages were selected using simple random sampling. Based on calculations performed in the G*Power software, the sample size was determined to be 160 individuals; however, to enhance precision and generalizability, the sample size was increased to 200. The primary data collection instrument was a researcher-designed questionnaire administered in the field. A pilot test with 30 questionnaires was conducted in an area similar to the study population. Reliability and internal consistency were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability, with both indices exceeding 0.7, indicating satisfactory validity and reliability of the measurement instrument. For inferential analysis, regression coefficients and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed, and the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to verify the normality of the data. Discriminant validity was also confirmed using the Fornell–Larcker criterion. Data analysis was carried out with SPLS3, SPSS, and Excel software packages. Path analysis results using the SEM model show that the economic impacts have a significant effect on spatial justice: the path coefficients are 0.728, the t-statistic exceeds 7 (well above the critical threshold of 1.96), and the p-value equals 0.000, indicating very high significance at the 99% confidence level. This implies that strengthening the economic effects of sustainable tourism can contribute to the improvement of spatial justice. Finally, based on the study’s findings, practical recommendations are presented.

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References

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Geography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement
Volume 16, Issue 58
March 2026
Pages 23-44

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History

  • Receive Date: 14 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 19 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 11 November 2025

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