Thematic Tourism; A new Concept for Developing Tourism (Case Study: Rural Areas of Meyami County)

Abstract

Purpose: the purpose of the present research is to determine and identify various forms of thematic tourism and implementation strategies in rural areas of Meyami County for proper planning respecting the current market structure and the region’s tourism potentials. Methods: the present research applied a case study method using various instruments including observation, interview, as well as document references. Interviews were conducted with 30 local stakeholders and experts up to the saturation. Results: the research led to a set of developing subthemes embodied in the main themes of cultural-historical, pilgrimage, rural life, agriculture and food, industry, health, physical activity, landscape and natural systems, and geology. Respecting each determined theme, a developable tourism form and a set of follow-up operational strategies were provided. Conclusion: considering the region Caravanserais’ capacities, enhancing tourism infrastructure, designing, developing and marketing of particular forms of tourism for the understudied city, focusing on supplementary plans along with thematic tourism forms, cooperating with influencers such as bloggers, journalists, and even famous tour leaders are critical factors in developing thematic tourism in the rural areas of Meyami County.