Scientific Quarterly Journal

Assessment of Sustainable Rural Tourism Development Indicators (A Case Study of Liqvan Village in East Azerbaijan Province)

Volume 7, Issue 25
Summer 2026
Pages 40-55

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Architecture, Mar.C., Islamic Azad University, Maragheh, Iran

2 Department of Architecture, Kal.C., Islamic Azad University, Kaleybar, Iran

Abstract
Rural tourism, as one of the strategies for sustainable development, requires continuous assessment of the capacities, services, infrastructure, and management systems of tourism destinations. Liqvan Village in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, possesses considerable potential for tourism development due to its natural, cultural, historical, and local-product attractions; however, a comprehensive assessment of its sustainable tourism development has not yet been conducted. The aim of this study was to assess the status of sustainable tourism development in Liqvan Village based on 31 indicators across five dimensions, including tourism potentials, service quality, facilities and infrastructure, the management system, and the impacts of tourism development. The study was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive–analytical in terms of nature. Data were collected through a questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale, involving 20 participants, including 10 tourism experts and stakeholders and 10 tourists visiting the village. The data were analyzed using a standardized scoring method and the Sustainable Tourism Index (STI). The results showed that the Tourism Potentials dimension received the highest score (+65), whereas the Quality of Services dimension received the lowest score (−15.83). The calculated STI value was +14.78, indicating a moderate-to-low level of sustainable tourism development in Liqvan Village. These findings can serve as a strategic tool for planning and guiding sustainable tourism development in Liqvan Village.

Keywords

Subjects
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  • Receive Date 18 February 2026
  • Revise Date 15 August 2026
  • Accept Date 23 July 2026