Abual-Qasim Taghizad Fanid, Mrs Sajedeh Dinparast, Sadegh Saghafi Asl, Mr Saeid Nasire Zare, Hassan Ghasemloo,
Volume 14, Issue 54 (Winter 2026)
Abstract
Objective: The effects of tourism, especially in rural areas, vary by spatial location. In fact, if tourism activities are to be accepted as an approach for sustainable economic development in rural areas, it is necessary to examine the distribution of their benefits and make the necessary plans for their equitable distribution. The present study, while addressing this issue, examines the economic effects of gastronomic tourism "Kebab Bonab" as a geographical phenomenon in rural areas of Bonab County.
Methods: The present study is of an applied type and quantitative in nature that uses the survey method. The problem, background, and theoretical framework were examined through field observations and a library study. Data related to the economic effects of gastronomic tourism were collected by determining indicators and completing a questionnaire by 242 villagers, and analyzed using one-sample t-test, cluster analysis, spatial autocorrelation, and weighted geographic regression.
Results: The tourist attraction of "Bonab Kebab" has led to the development of employment, marketing, and sales of local products of the villagers, as well as increasing the income of residents. On the other hand, the spatial and human proximity factor has been among the main factors in attracting the economic benefits of tourism in the rural settlements of the study area. In these settlements, the necessary human resources, having jobs in restaurants and Bonab Kebab dishes and related jobs in the city of Bonab or in the nearest rural settlement, have played a major role in attracting economic benefits.
Conclusions: Fair and appropriate distribution of benefits from the tourism industry can improve the quality of life of residents, strengthen community participation, and even make this type of industry sustainable. In order to achieve such a function, it is important to understand the spatial distribution of its benefits and plan for it in rural settlements.
