The effects of tourism on the promotion of rural welfare (Case study: coastal villages' city of Chabahar)

In recent years, one of the main approaches to rural development and increasing the well-being of rural households is the development of rural tourism. Because tourism development can play an important role in the well-being of households as well as in rural livelihoods. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tourism on improving the welfare of coastal villages in Chabahar. The present research is a descriptive-analytical approach. The statistical population of rural households is Chabahar (N = 3720). Using Cochran formula and quota sampling method, 280 households in 6 coastal villages with tourist attractions are selected as samples. To analyze the data and to answer the research questions, unlimited exploratory co-univariate test, variance analysis and multivariate regression were used. The results showed that in terms of economic welfare indicators, tourism had the most effects on seasonal employment, income growth, housing development, and local economy mobility. In terms of social welfare indicators, tourism has the most impact on improving leisure time, changing lifestyle and lifestyle, developing health facilities, and increasing the sense of belonging to local people. Also, the results showed that tourism in the villages of the study area had significant effects on the economic and social well-being of rural households, but compared with social indicators, tourism had the most impact on economic well-being and its indicators. In line with the findings of the research, suggestions were made regarding the development of rural tourism and the welfare of rural households.