Identifying and Explaining Factors Influencing the Formation and Development of Tourism Entrepreneurship with a Poverty Alleviation Approach (Case Study: Hajij Village, Uramanat, Kermanshah Province)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Economics and Accounting, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

2 Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Accounting, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

Abstract

Despite economic growth in many countries, the non-economic aspects of poverty remain detrimental. Studies indicate that the impacts of entrepreneurship development in tourism are categorized into three aspects: economic, socio-cultural, and environmental. Proper implementation leads to a comprehensive impact on reducing multidimensional poverty among residents. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effects of tourism entrepreneurship on increasing employment and reducing poverty in the village of Hajjij, Paveh County, Uramanat region of Kermanshah Province. The research approach is qualitative, and the research method used is in-depth expert content analysis. The data used in this study were collected through three methods: secondary data from published statistical sources or reputable scientific journals, in-depth expert interviews with a selected group of 16 scientific and operational experts in the field, and direct local observation and immersion alongside the villagers, accompanied by interviews and gathering their opinions without creating sensitizing conditions that could affect the research. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using MAXQDA2022 software. The most important research results indicate that the factors influencing the facilitation and formation of entrepreneurship in the field of tourism with a pro-poor approach include creating pro-poor tourism capacities, education and empowerment, infrastructure development, provision of facilities by relevant institutions, laws and regulations, access (land ownership, market), expansion of participation in tourism, establishment of research and development institutions, and formulation of pro-poor tourism strategies. The present research can be used as a decision-making tool by relevant decision-makers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, and other centers and forums related to tourism activities.

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