Typologies and Limitations of Community Participation in Tourism Development: the Case of Kandovan Area, Iran

This research examines typologies and limitations of community participation in Kandovan area of Iran. It also compares perspectives of local people and local agencies about community involvement in study area. A conceptual framework has been developed by examining typologies of community participation. A field research was designed and applied in a case study approach by using this conceptual framework. Data was gathered from various groups (local people, local agencies and expert groups) based on Cochran s formula. Completed questionnaires include 257, 30 and 35 data sheets from local people, local agencies, and expert groups, respectively. The study results revealed that typology of community participation in study area is based on ‘coercive participation’ which is top-down, non-participatory and passive mode. Results also showed that cultural and structural limitations are the main obstacles in developing community participation in study area.