Using a system dynamics approach to achieve synergy between tourism and conservation

Bibliographic Data

ID11410648
AuthorsFatemeh Khazaee Fadafan (0000-0002-0119-6960, Isfahan University of Technology, corresponding author), Alireza Soffianian (0000-0003-4416-3058, Isfahan University of Technology), Saeid Pourmanafi (0000-0003-2302-2694, Isfahan University of Technology), Seyed Nader Shetab Boushehri (0000-0003-0901-2895, Isfahan University of Technology), Mark Morgan (0000-0002-0889-3144, University of Missouri)
Year2026
Pages1-18
Publication date2026-01-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueTourism Recreation Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0250-8281 • E-ISSN: 2320-0308
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02508281.2025.2611773
OpenAlexW7126103752
LanguageEN
References cited44

This paper developed a system dynamics model for achieving synergy between conservation and tourism at a mountainous landscape in Fereydounshahr, Iran. The model consisted of four subsystems, including: conservation, tourism, local people and economics. It utilized a comprehensive approach of tourism modelling, in contrast with traditional ones that rely only on historical data. For the first time, different types of visitors and their needs were addressed. Results indicated that the model was most sensitive to ‘hard’ tourist arrivals and overnight stays, conversion of rangeland to farmland, and number of livestock. Scenario analysis over twenty years (2010–2030) showed that if current trends continued, naturalness of tourist destinations in Fereydounshahr would decline along with the number of local people. Assuming a slight improvement of natural resources, an increase in the arrival of hard tourists, and an investment to increase the stay of this group, the loss of natural capital could be slowed by increasing tourism income and employment, thereby stimulating reverse migration of locals from the region. Overall, model results could help destination planners use the best strategy for managing key elements of ecotourism and preserve natural resources while generating income, simultaneously.

Dynamics (music · Ecotourism · Sustainability · System dynamics · Tourism · Chaos, Complexity, and Education · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Sustainability and Ecological Systems Analysis

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