Qualitative Analysis of Challenges Facing Sustainable Rural Tourism Development in the Global Hawraman Region: A Grounded Theory Analysis

Document Type : Qualitative Research

Authors
Madine Osmanpour 1
Mohammad Shokati Amaghani 2
Afsaneh Malek-Hosseini 3
1 Researcher, Kurdistan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Sanandaj, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3 Adjunct Lecturer, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
Abstract
This study aimed to identify and analyze the challenges facing the sustainable development of rural tourism in the Hawraman (Horaman) World Region (Kurdistan Province). The research adopted a qualitative design using grounded theory based on the Anselm Strauss and Juliet Corbin approach, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The findings indicate that the challenges to sustainable tourism development in Hawraman can be classified into ten overarching categories: (1) infrastructure and public services; (2) socio-cultural factors and local participation; (3) environmental challenges; (4) policymaking and governance; (5) economic challenges; (6) communication and connectivity; (7) unsustainable management of seasonal tourism; (8) agriculture and livelihood resources; (9) environmental associations (NGOs); (10) local governance, as well as challenges related to the limited role of rural women in advancing sustainable rural tourism development. Major identified challenges include inadequate transportation, accommodation, and communication infrastructure; the absence of integrated management; insufficient tourism training; weak inter-institutional coordination; deficiencies in waste management; and adversarial attitudes toward development. The results also underscore the pivotal role of local participation in achieving sustainable development goals, showing that the lack of effective community engagement can threaten the region’s cultural and natural capacities. Finally, the study proposes measures to improve current conditions, including strengthening local capacities, enhancing environmental awareness, expanding specialized training, and establishing coordinating mechanisms between governmental and local institutions. By highlighting existing constraints, this research emphasizes the necessity of a multi-dimensional and participatory approach to realizing sustainable tourism development in the Hawraman region.

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The Journal of Spatial Planning and Geomatics
Volume 29, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 29-65