معصومه رفیعی

Purpose- Geographical space relations have recently experienced profound changes under the influence of several factors, including tourism. The extensive effects of tourism on geographic space have often made negative structural changes. Since tourism outwardly supports local economies, these outcomes have seldom received careful investigation. Therefore, it is highly important to pay attention to the cultural effects, particularly the lasting and frequently disruptive effects on cultural relations. To this end, the present research aims to uncover how the phenomenon of tourism affects the geographic space structure, which forms the central core of human-environment interaction. Design/methodology/approach- This research adopted a qualitative design with quantitative content analysis. The method was content analysis, while snowball sampling was used in line with the research method. The participants consisted of fifteen residents, leading to the extraction of one hundred concepts and twenty-five axial categories. To measure the frequency of each category and its proportionate role in affecting rural spaces, the related diagrams were drawn and analyzed with the help of MAXQDA software. The geographical scope of this research comprises selected villages in the Bala Taleqan district. Findings - The findings point out significant and negative effects of tourism on the study area, including economic, social, and environmental effects. The greatest negative effects were observed in the social dimension. Results demonstrate that tourism exerts a pervasive effect on the cultural and value systems of the local community, gradually transforming and eroding them. This indicates that the region has been significantly damaged by tourists. Research Limitations - This study focuses on Bala Taleqan and seeks to investigate the consequences and effects of tourism on this region. Practical implications - Recognizing the negative effects of rural tourism and suggesting solutions for local managers to reinforce positive effects while reducing negative effects in Bala Taleqan. Originality/Value - In contrast to conventional studies, this study often emphasizes a critical approach, identifying damages, challenges, and the reasons for local resistance to rural tourism. Therefore, by identifying the motives behind such opposition, the study can find solutions for the development of rural tourism and fostering better relations between local inhabitants and tourists.