Feasibility Study of Urban Diplomacy Effect on Tourism Development in North Khorasan Province based on the SWOT Analysis Model

Document Type : مقالات علمی -پژوهشی

Authors

• Ruholah Eslami ¹
• Farideh Amani keykanlo ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

² M.A. of Political Science, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22067/pg.2021.27331.0

Abstract

With the expansion of urbanization along with the growth of information technology and the development of communication networks, cities have become a center for the development of countries in a space of streams. In this space, cities enjoy sufficient power, influence and credibility to carry out diplomatic activities by improving their economic, political, technological, cultural and infrastructural status. They show a new form of diplomacy in their activities. Tourism should also be considered as one of the most important industries of sustainable development in any society that has high mobility in economic, political, social, urban and environmental changes. Focusing on different aspects of the tourism industry, together with the local and national management plans of each community can play a very important role in the international and national management processes of each community. The present study is based on a descriptive-analytical method in nature and analyzes the role of urban diplomacy in the development of tourism in North Khorasan province based on the SWOT analytical model. The question is what role does urban diplomacy play in attracting tourists in North Khorasan province? The hypothesis is that urban diplomacy has provided a new approach for infrastructure development and attracting tourists along with economic development, increasing communication, cultural and religious interactions in the province. The research findings show that North Khorasan province attracts many domestic and international tourists due to its numerous tourist attractions. Weaknesses and threats with the lack of basic transportation infrastructure to facilitate tourism and the lack of diversity in tourism facilities prevent the province's cooperation as a partner of urban network at the international level. Data analysis based on SWOT model shows that tourism and attracting tourists in the province has a high potential and covers its weak points to some extent. But the main problem, which is the lack of an extensive air, land, and rail network, still remains. it is required that the officials of the recreation centers and tourist complexes of the capital of the province and the cities should be suitably expanded the tourism facilities in order to improve the position of the province in the tourism industry. Especially urban diplomacy can help to improve strengths and reduce weaknesses.

Keywords

• Urban Diplomacy
• North Khorasan
• Tourism
• Development
• SWOT Analysis Model

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