Tourism management studies of the smart era

Tourism management studies of the smart era

Analysis of SPatial Distribution Pattern of Iran's Ecolodges Based on the Grading System

Document Type : Original Article- original research

Authors
1 Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, .Iran
Abstract
The sustainable development of ecolodges requires continuous improvements in service quality to enhance tourist satisfaction and maintain high operational standards. In this regard, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Iran has established regulations and guidelines for the evaluation and grading of ecolodges. Based on these criteria, ecolodges are classified into four categories: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, and Ungraded. Despite the importance of this classification system, the spatial distribution of graded ecolodges and the geographical concentration of different quality levels across Iran have received little scholarly attention. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the spatial distribution patterns of ecolodges based on their official grading throughout Iran. This applied study employed a descriptive-analytical research design. Data were collected through documentary research using official records obtained from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts in 2024. Spatial data were analyzed using Moran's I statistic and Hot Spot Analysis to identify clustering patterns and regional concentrations of graded ecolodges. The findings indicate that the highest concentrations of ecolodges across all grading categories are primarily located in the central and northern regions of Iran. This spatial pattern appears to be associated with regional natural resources, historical and cultural attractions, the availability of tourism infrastructure, socioeconomic conditions, and tourism policies and management practices. The study therefore recommends that future national tourism policies not only strengthen the planning and development of ecolodges in the identified hotspot regions but also promote the establishment of appropriately graded ecolodges in other areas with high tourism potential to achieve a more balanced spatial distribution of tourism accommodation across the country.
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