RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT THROUGH RURAL COOPERATIVES

The concept of rural tourism has become important around the world. It is thought that rural tourism can revitalize the conventional concepts and views on tourism, and bring in a new dimension in the sustainable development. It has been realized that local communities based tourism can play a fundamental role in poverty alleviation in rural areas. This paper used qualitative approaches to illustrated development of rural tourism through rural cooperatives. The study also attempted to highlight the barriers of rural tourism in Iran. This article looks at how rural cooperatives can develop the rural tourism in rural area at the case study Iran This research draws from our scientific experience in a variety of disciplines namely; rural cooperatives, tourism development and community development. (Nature and Science. 2009; 7(10): 68-73). (ISSN: 1545-0740).