Analysis of the Physical Effects of Constructing Second Homes on Tourism in Rural Area: A Case Study of Shirkooh District, Yazd Province

REZVANI, MOHAMNADREZA; BAKHIYANI, HAMIDREZA; HAJARI, BAHRAM

Analysis of the Physical Effects of Constructing Second Homes on Tourism in Rural Area: A Case Study of Shirkooh District, Yazd Province

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Abstract

Construction of second homes is not a new phenomenon. In recent years, Iranian citizen and metropolitan residents have selected mountainous areas around cities and coastal areas for leisure and villa construction. Yazd province, due to its geographical location, suffers from a limitation of natural tourist attractions, but the slopes and villages of Shirkooh are in a good position to attract tourists and to provide second homes for city folks. Second homes in these areas, particularly after the widespread use of private cars, have increased to the peak from the 80s onwards. The most important factors in attracting tourists to these areas are the temperature difference between them and the surrounding towns and cities as well as relatively close distances to drive. Construction and expansion of second homes have had various economic, social, cultural, and physical environment effects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the physical consequences of constructing second homes in rural areas of Shirkooh using a descriptive- analytical method, library work, and survey studies (questionnaires). The results show that second homes have caused the improvement of road quality and the physical development of villages; however, they have led to the destruction and loss of agricultural lands and orchards.

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