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Developing Sustainable Behaviors for Underground Heritage Tourism Management: The Case of Persian Qanats, a UNESCO World Heritage Property

Author

Listed:
  • Hossein Mousazadeh

    (Department of Regional Science, Faculty of Science, Eötvös Loránd University, 1053 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Amir Ghorbani

    (Department of Tourism, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-73441, Iran)

  • Hossein Azadi

    (Department of Economics and Rural Development, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium)

  • Farahnaz Akbarzadeh Almani

    (Department of Tourism Management, Budapest Business School, University of Applied Sciences, 1149 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Ali Zangiabadi

    (Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Geographical Sciences and Planning, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-73441, Iran)

  • Kai Zhu

    (Faculty of Resources and Environmental Science, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China)

  • Lóránt Dénes Dávid

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, John von Neumann University, 6000 Kecskemet, Hungary
    Institute of Rural Development and Sustainable Economy, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2100 Godollo, Hungary)

Abstract

The Persian Qanats, ancient underground aqueduct systems that have provided irrigation water to arid regions in Iran for over 3000 years, are recognized as a vital element of the country’s cultural heritage. Eleven of these impressive structures have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, underlining their cultural, social, political, and physical significance. As these underground heritage sites offer a unique opportunity for fostering territorial collaboration and social capital between tourists and the local community, it is important to develop a comprehensive model to influence the behavior of tourists, officials, and natives in their treatment of these invaluable sites. This study aimed to design a sustainable behavior model for underground heritage tourism management in Persian Qanats that have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage properties. The research employed a theme analysis approach, utilizing a statistical sample of 22 base managers and Qanat tourism experts. The study used content and thematic analysis to develop a research model that guarantees the sustainable protection of these valuable underground heritage sites by shaping the behavior of tourists, officials, and natives. The proposed model serves as a guideline for effective behavior management, leading to the preservation of these significant underground heritage sites for future generations. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the sustainable management of Persian Qanats and the promotion of a strong sense of territorial collaboration and social capital between tourists and the local community.

Suggested Citation

  • Hossein Mousazadeh & Amir Ghorbani & Hossein Azadi & Farahnaz Akbarzadeh Almani & Ali Zangiabadi & Kai Zhu & Lóránt Dénes Dávid, 2023. "Developing Sustainable Behaviors for Underground Heritage Tourism Management: The Case of Persian Qanats, a UNESCO World Heritage Property," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:4:p:808-:d:1114279
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bakhtiar Feizizadeh & Saeed Fathi & Zahra Ghasmeizad Gonbad & Mohmad Ghasmei & Mohsen Makki, 2023. "A Multiple Geospatial Approach for Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism Potentiality Mapping in Iran," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-30, December.
    2. Amir Ghorbani & Ali Zangiabadi & Hossein Mousazadeh & Farahnaz Akbarzadeh Almani & Kai Zhu & Lóránt Dénes Dávid, 2023. "Travel to Mars-like Places on Earth: A New Branch of Sustainable Ecotourism in Lut Desert World Heritage Site, Iran," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-22, June.
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    4. Sanja Kovačić & Tatjana Pivac & Müge Akkar Ercan & Kinga Kimic & Petja Ivanova-Radovanova & Klodiana Gorica & Ermelinda Kordha Tolica, 2023. "Exploring the Image, Perceived Authenticity, and Perceived Value of Underground Built Heritage (UBH) and Its Role in Motivation to Visit: A Case Study of Five Different Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-21, July.
    5. Youssef El Archi & Brahim Benbba & Kai Zhu & Zineb El Andaloussi & László Pataki & Lóránt Dénes Dávid, 2023. "Mapping the Nexus between Sustainability and Digitalization in Tourist Destinations: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-16, June.
    6. Benedek Nagy & Manuela Rozalia Gabor & Ioan Bogdan Baco? & Moaaz Kabil & Kai Zhu & Lóránt Dénes Dávid, 2023. "Google and apple mobility data as predictors for European tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic: A neural network approach," Equilibrium. Quarterly Journal of Economics and Economic Policy, Institute of Economic Research, vol. 18(2), pages 419-459, June.
    7. Roman Plokhikh & Dana Shokparova & Gyula Fodor & Sándor Berghauer & Attila Tóth & Uzakbay Suymukhanov & Aiman Zhakupova & Imre Varga & Kai Zhu & Lóránt Dénes Dávid, 2023. "Towards Sustainable Pasture Agrolandscapes: A Landscape-Ecological-Indicative Approach to Environmental Audits and Impact Assessments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-15, April.
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    9. Yufeng Cheng & Kai Zhu & Quan Zhou & Youssef El Archi & Moaaz Kabil & Bulcsú Remenyik & Lóránt Dénes Dávid, 2023. "Tourism Ecological Efficiency and Sustainable Development in the Hanjiang River Basin: A Super-Efficiency Slacks-Based Measure Model Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-17, April.

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