Investigating the Host Community Support for Rural Tourism Development (Case Study: Central District of Firoozabad County)

Purpose This survey research was conducted with the aim of assessing the rural residents apos; support for tourism development and their effective factors in the tourism target villages in the Central District of Firoozabad County. Design/methodology/approach The statistical population of this study was resident household heads. Using Bartlett Table, 155 households were studied by simple random sampling method. The data gathering tool was a researchermade questionnaire which its validity and reliability were confirmed. Findings Based on the findings, the residents were categorized into two groups of committed supporters and passive supporters according to their support for tourism. The results of the logistic regression model showed that the perception of social, economic and environmental impacts is directly (positively) significantly predictive of the residents apos; support for tourism development. The highest coefficient of the logistic regression model was related to the perception of social impacts (with a coefficient of 10.661) as compared to the economic impacts (with a coefficient of 8.659) and the environmental (with a coefficient of 7.683). In addition, in 95.5% of the cases, the function can correctly measure levels of support for rural tourism. The accuracy of the model was also confirmed through the ROC curve. Research limitations/implications Difficulties in completing the questionnaires due to the number of the tourist arrivals and people apos;s occupations, the reluctance of some households to respond because of the distrust resulting from the location of the village in the palace privacy, and the problems encountered in this regard, which were resolved by the researchers apos; frequent visits to the area and acquiring the villagers apos; trust. Practical implications In addition to improving the resident apos;s perceptions of environmental impacts, further attention must be paid to improving the residents apos; perceptions of economic and social impacts. Originality/value The development of tourism industry is heavily dependent on the participation and support of local residents. Improving the residents apos; perceptions of the impacts of tourism will lead to more residents apos; support for the industry, thereby, be paid more by tourists in the area, and recommend destinations to others and their desire to return to the area.