importance of urban tourism planning

Urban Tourism and Walkability

• First Online: 23 August 2018

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• Salvador Anton Clavé 3  

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Even though little research has been undertaken on urban tourism and walkability, it represents a major theme with respect to the visitor use of city, especially in successful urban destinations around the world that are currently confronting deep challenges due to their very attractiveness. This chapter examines the paradoxes associated with urban tourism and walkability, argues that walkability and walkable urban places appear as a fertile arena for the sustainable future of urban tourism and highlights the need to adopt an approach that interconnects urban tourism with the wider domain of urban planning, management and governance.

• Urban tourism
• Walkability
• Urban planning

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Anton Clavé, S. (2019). Urban Tourism and Walkability. In: Fayos-Solà, E., Cooper, C. (eds) The Future of Tourism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89941-1_10

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Why tourism planning is important

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Tourism planning should be an integral part of any destination’s tourism development plan in order to achieve the best results and satisfy all stakeholders. Tourism planning is key to maintaining sustainable tourism and whilst some destinations do this very well, others (often developing countries), fail the recognise the importance of effective tourism development planning.

In this post I will explain why tourism planning is so important and recommend some literature for further reading on this topic. This information on tourism planning should be helpful to a number of tourism stakeholders, including business entrepreneurs, Government bodies and tourism workers. It is also useful for those studying travel and tourism as well as those who have a general interest in the subject. For an introduction to the concept of tourism policy and planning visit this post- ‘ The different levels of tourism policy and planning ‘. 

Wait! Before you read on, take a look at the short video that I created all about the importance of tourism planning! 

What is tourism planning?

Tourism development refers to the growth and maintenance of the tourism industry in a given locality. And, of course, tourism planning is a very important part of this.

On a basic level, tourism development can be defined as creating strategies and plans to increase/develop/encourage tourism for a destination. The fundamental reason behind planning and implementing strategies for developing the tourism sector is primarily to make money and to subsequently increase the GDP of a country/area.

You might also be interested in my post- ‘ What is tourism? A definition of tourism ‘ 

Tourism development consists of many elements including, but not limited to: developing and managing private-public partnerships, assessing the competitors to gain competitive advantage, ensuring responsible and sustainable development, viewing tourism as an interconnected system and a demand-driven sector, assessing private sector investment and international cooperation, tourism clustering and involvement by the Government.

According to Williams cited in Mason (2003);  

‘The aim of modern planning is to seek optimal solutions to perceived problems and that it is designed to increase and, hopefully maximise development benefits, which will produce predictable outcomes’.

And Getz (1987) cited in Pearce (1989) defines tourism planning as;

“A process, based on research and evaluation, which seeks to optimise the potential contribution of tourism to human welfare and environmental quality”

Tourism development planning should be an integral part of any destination’s tourism plan in order to achieve the best results and satisfy all stakeholders. Tourism development planning is key to maintaining sustainable tourism and whilst some destinations do this very well, others (often developing countries), fail the recognise the importance of effective tourism development planning.

What is tourism development planning?

Tourism development refers to the growth and maintenance of the tourism industry in a given locality. And, of course, planning is a very important part of this.

Basic stages in tourism development planning

Tourism development planning is no simple task and there are many variables to consider. There are also different levels of tourism planning and policy . Fortunately , destinations can learn lessons from other areas which have been successful or otherwise. Take for example, over dependence on tourism in Egypt as I explain in this post- Why Unpaid Business is Better than No Business: The Case of the Egyptian Boatman. It is also worthwhile to look at the tourism policies of similar destinations. Some strong examples include Jamaica and Cape Town .

On a basic level, the main stages in tourism development planning include: the analysis of previous tourist development; evaluation of the position of tourism in the area including competition; formulation of relevant tourism policy by Government; the defining of a development strategy and the formation of a programme of action.

The benefits of tourism development

Tourism development planning enables a range of benefits to all stakeholders involved, for example:

• It increases income and jobs from tourist spending
• It helps preserve cultural and natural heritage for tourists
• It increases understanding of other cultures
• It builds new facilities such as sewage for whole communities or new roads

The costs of tourism development

There are also some costs which must be considered and planned for, which include:

• Costs of implementing tourist facilities can be costly
• The environment can be destructed to make room for hotels etc. to be built
• Social standards may be undermined e.g. topless women in Dubai
• The natural environment may be polluted

Formulating an approach to tourism policy and planning

There are six ‘golden rules’ that should be applied when formulating an approach to tourism policy and planning, as outlined by Inskeep (1991).

• Goal oriented

Clear recognition of tourism’s role in achieving broad national and community goals

• Integrative

Incorporating tourism policy and planning into the mainstream of planning for the economy, land use and infrastructure, conservation and environment

• Market driven

Planning for tourism development that trades successfully in a competitive global marketplace

• Resource driven

Developing tourism which build on the destination’s inherent strengths whilst protecting and enhancing the attributes and experiences of current tourism assets

• Consultative

Incorporating the wider community attitudes, needs and wants to determine what is acceptable to the population

Drawing on primary or secondary research to provide conceptual or predictive support for planners including the experiences of other tourism destinations

Why tourism development planning is important

Tourism development planning really can make or break a destination. If done well, it can ensure the longevity of the tourism industry in the area, take good care of the environment, have positive economic outcomes and a positive benefit to the community.

If done badly , tourism development can destroy the very environment or culture that it relies on. It can disrupt local economies, cause inflation and negative effects to local people and businesses. Unfortunately, developing countries tend to suffer the most from negative impacts such as these, largely as a result of limited education and experience in contrast with Western nations. For more on this topic, you can read this post.

If you wish to cite any of the content in the post please use reference ‘Stainton, Hayley. (2018) Lifeasabutterfly .’

§§cs§§

For more on what constitutes tourism planning I recommend that you refer to the texts Tourism Policy and Planning: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by Edgell and Swanson and Tourism Planning and Destination Marketing by Camilleri .

Tourism development planning is no simple task and there are many variables to consider. There are also different levels of tourism planning and policy. Fortunately, destinations can learn lessons from other areas which have been successful or otherwise. Take for example, over dependence on tourism in Egypt as I explain in this post- Why Unpaid Business is Better than No Business: The Case of the Egyptian Boatman. It is also worthwhile to look at the tourism policies of similar destinations. Some strong examples include Jamaica and Cape Town .

You might also be interested in my post- ‘ Best Universities In The UK To Study Travel and Tourism ‘

There are six ‘golden rules’ that should be applied when formulating an approach to tourism planning and policy, as outlined by Inskeep (1991).

You might also be interested in my post- ‘ What is ‘begpacking’ and why is it so bad ?’

Tourism planning really can make or break a destination. If done well, it can ensure the longevity of the tourism industry in the area, take good care of the environment, have positive economic outcomes and a positive benefit to the community.

If done badly, tourism development can destroy the very environment or culture that it relies on. It can disrupt local economies, cause inflation and negative effects to local people and businesses. Unfortunately, developing countries tend to suffer the most from negative impacts such as these, largely as a result of limited education and experience in contrast with Western nations.

For more on this topic, I recommend the following texts:

Tourism Policy and Planning: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Tourism Planning and Destination Marketing

Leisure, Sport and Tourism, Politics, Policy and Planning

Tourism Planning: Policies, Processes and Relationships

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• Tourism and Urban Planning
• Uncategorized

Urban planning can play an important role in tourism promotion. Tourism and urban planning is essentially based on how traditions, lifestyles, cultural attractions and historic sites can be combined in a coherent city tourist map. Below are some ways efficient urban planning can help the tourism industry grow.

Information : Administrator and planners should ensure that enough information is available on the internet about their city for the tourists to make plans and take informed decisions. More importantly, there should be a provision of tourist information centres and signage at prominent places in the city for providing practical information to tourists.

Saving time and Convenience : Tourists want to maximize their time in a new city, there should be practical provisions for their fast and convenient travel between various tourist destinations. Several cities run Hop-on Hop-off (HoHo) buses taking the tourists on city tours and stopping at prominent tourist destinations.

Efficient public transport : Effectiveness of public transport can be the difference between the success and the failure of any city in terms of trade, investment and development, whether in traditional or smart city. The public transport system needs to provide last mile connectivity to every part of the city. This could be a combination of various modes and at every interchange or stops there should be digital information system about route and waiting time of upcoming modes of transportation.

Accessibility and connectivity : Accessibility to the city itself and tourist destinations within the city is utmost important to attract tourists. Quick and comfortable travel to tourist destinations not only attracts tourists but also motivates them to visit again. On the basis of tourist place importance, proper package & circuit need to be designed with all tourist facilities.

Safety and hygiene : Properly covered drainage system, provision of suitable waste dumping and processing grounds etc. could greatly help in keeping the cities clean and healthy. Green spaces in urban areas greatly enhance the beauty and appeal of any city. Disaster preparedness and emergency response provisions also make cities lucrative for tourists. Any help in one call at the time of distress is more important.

Tourism plays an important role in employment and in economic growth. To realise the potential of tourism as a tool for sustainable inclusive growth, a multi-stakeholder and multi-level approach is required, based on close cooperation at the various levels of tourism and non-tourism administrations. But unattended growth can negatively affect the destination. It is therefore sensibly necessary, through a careful planning and execution, to ensure that tourism development improves or maintains the environment and culture of the destination while providing maximum visitor satisfaction. Therefore, while developing or re-developing the cities, administrators need to draw-up Tourism Master Plan as it is important to plan for the basic infrastructure that enables tourists to access resources easily. Though strategic planning and marketing make city destination for tourist rather than transit for other city.

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Tourism Planning: Overview and Importance

What is tourism planning.

…. And What is Planning per se.

Planning is to prepare a Road Map to achieve goals.

The principal phases of an urban planning process are:

• Preparatory / exploration phase
• Feasibility/planning phase
• Formal planning/zoning phase
• Design and implementation phase
• Operational phase

D.Getz (1987) defines tourism planning as” a process, based on research and evaluation, which seeks to optimize the potential contribution of tourism to human welfare and environmental quality”.

According to Faludi (1973) “Planning is a very important part of the process by which tourism is managed by governments at the national, local and organizational levels”.

If you search online for countries that have had success in planning their tourism, most of them are viewed as great travel destinations. Even to the point that people visit these countries with the guarantee that their travel vlogs will get youtube subscribers . In this day and age, that’s a marker of success.

Tourism development consists of many elements :

• developing and managing private-public partnerships,
• assessing the competitors to gain competitive advantage and
• Ensuring responsible and sustainable development.

Viewing tourism as an interconnected system and a demand-driven sector, assessing private sector investment and international cooperation, tourism clustering and involvement by the Government.

According to Williams cited in Mason (2003);

‘The aim of modern planning is to seek optimal solutions to perceived problems and that it is designed to increase and, hopefully maximise development benefits, which will produce predictable outcomes’.

 We should take Planning tourism as an integrated System. Tourism industry is viewed as an inter-related system of demand and supply factors. The demand factors are international and domestic tourist markets and the local resident community who use the tourist facilities and services. The supply factors consist of the tourist attractions and activities as natural and manmade attractions like waterfalls, forests, beaches, monuments, zoos, etc.,

What Planning Should and Should Not Be

Basic Stages in Tourism Development Planning

Tourism development planning is a complex task.There are many variables to consider. There are different levels of tourism planning and policy.

On a basic level, the main stages in tourism development planning include:

• Analyses of earlier tourist developments
• Evaluation of the of status tourism in the area
• Evaluation of the competitors
• Formulation of Government Policies
• Defining  a development strategy and the formation of a programme of action.
• The Implications of Planning

Planning enables a range of benefits to all stakeholders involved, for example:

• Increases income and jobs
• It helps preserve cultural and natural heritage
• It increases understanding of other cultures
• It builds new infrastructure facilities

(Read  more here on Impacts of Tourism)

The impacts of tourism can be sorted into seven general categories:

• Environmental
• Social and cultural
• Crowding and congestion
• Community attitude

The costs of Tourism Development

There are also some costs which must be considered and planned for, which include:

• Costs of implementing tourist facilities can be costly
• The environment can be destructed to make room for hotels etc. to be built
• Social standards may be undermined e.g. topless women in Dubai
• The natural environment may be polluted

Formulating an approach to tourism policy and planning

There are six ‘golden rules’ that should be applied when formulating an approach to tourism planning and policy, as outlined by Inskeep (1991).

Goal Oriented

Clear recognition of tourism’s role in achieving broad national and community goals

Integrative

Incorporating tourism policy and planning into the mainstream of planning for the economy, land use and infrastructure, conservation and environment

Market Driven

Planning for tourism development that trades successfully in a competitive global marketplace

Resource Driven

Developing tourism which builds on the destination’s inherent strengths whilst protecting and enhancing the attributes and experiences of current tourism assets.

Consultative

Incorporating the wider community attitudes, needs and wants to determine what is acceptable to the population

Drawing on primary or secondary research to provide conceptual or predictive support for planners including the experiences of other tourism destinations

Why Tourism Planning is Important

Tourism planning really can make or break a destination. If done well, it can ensure the longevity of the tourism industry in the area, take good care of the environment, have positive economic outcomes, and a positive benefit to the community.

If executed badly, tourism development can destroy the very environment or culture that it relies on. It can disrupt local economies, cause inflation and negative effects to local people and businesses. Unfortunately, developing countries tend to suffer the most from negative impacts such as these, largely as a result of limited education and experience in contrast with Western nations.

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Planning for Simultaneous Regional/Urban and Tourism Development with Case Studies

Professor Engineering Dr., Managing Director, and senior researcher at the Knowledge and Implementation Consulting Engineering Co - Iran

Academic Editor:  Zed Rengel

Received:  September 18, 2021 |  Accepted:  December 07, 2021 |  Published:  December 17, 2021

Adv Environ Eng Res 2021 , Volume 2, Issue 4, doi: 10.21926/aeer.2104035

Recommended citation:  Shahraki AA. Planning for Simultaneous Regional/Urban and Tourism Development with Case Studies. Adv Environ Eng Res 2021 ; 2(4): 035; doi:10.21926/aeer.2104035.

© 2021 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the conditions of the Creative Commons by Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is correctly cited.

This research suggests optimal planning and designing techniques for tourism complexes in urban master planning. Firstly, it explains the importance of the tourism industry through the theories of scholars and experts. It also emphasizes the connection between the development of urban economies and the tourism industry. This helps integrate the tourism industry and comprehensive regional/urban planning. It starts with planning and designing the tourism complexes in the early stages of the municipality’s master plan. This research paper suggests urban land-use policies and location techniques. This paper brings out land-use policies and centralized and symmetric urban design models for regional/urban sustainable development. It charts the following steps to meet the goal: determining a location for a tourism complex, setting a spatial table of required construction, preparing a land-use map, preparing a map album, developing investment and construction contracts. This paper assists civil engineers, urban and regional planners, tourism industry bodies, and students to develop rationally and optimally.

Tourism planning; destination; tourism complex; regional development; master planning; a centralized design model

1. Introduction

1. Smith VL. Hosts and guests: The anthropology of tourism. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press; 2012.

2. <span dir="RTL">‏</span>Horita Y. Urban development and tourism in Japanese cities. Tour Plan Dev. 2018; 15: 26-39. [ CrossRef ]

3. James KJ. Tourism, land and landscape in Ireland: The commodification of culture. New York: Routledge; 2014. [ CrossRef ]

4. Holloway JC, Humphreys C. The business of tourism. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications Limited; 2019.

5. <span dir="RTL">‏</span>Wiktor-Mach D. What role for culture in the age of sustainable development? UNESCO’s advocacy in the 2030 Agenda negotiations. Int J Cult Policy. 2020; 26: 312-327. [ CrossRef ]

6. Kumar TV, Dahiya B. Smart economy in smart cities. In: Smart economy in smart cities. Singapore: Springer; 2016. pp.3-76. [ CrossRef ]

7. Coccossis H, Mexa A. The challenge of tourism carrying capacity assessment: Theory and practice. New York: Routledge; 2017. [ CrossRef ]

8. <span dir="RTL">‏</span>UNWTO. Statistics [Internet]. Madrid: UNWTO; 2017. Available from: <a href="http://cf.cdn.unwto.org/sites/all/files/factsheet_june2015.pdf">http://cf.cdn.unwto.org/sites/all/files/factsheet_june2015.pdf</a>.

9. WTTC. Travel and tourism economic impact. London: World Travel & Tourism Council; 2014.

10. Kuščer K, Eichelberger S, Peters M. Tourism organizations’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic: An investigation of the lockdown period. Curr Issues Tour. 2021: 1-14. doi: 10.1080/13683500.2021.1928010. [ CrossRef ]

11. Shah C, Chowdhury A, Gupta V. Impact of COVID-19 on tourism and hospitality students’ perceptions of career opportunities and future prospects in India. J Teach Travel Tour. 2021: 1-21. doi: 10.1080/15313220.2021.1924921. [ CrossRef ]

12. Raun J, Ahas R, Tiru M. Measuring tourism destinations using mobile tracking data. Tour Manag. 2016: 57: 202-212. [ CrossRef ]

13. <span dir="RTL">‏</span>Nunkoo R. Governance and sustainable tourism: What is the role of trust, power and social capital? J Dest Mark Manage. 2017; 6: 277-285. [ CrossRef ]

14. <span dir="RTL">‏</span>Fodness D. The problematic nature of sustainable tourism: Some implications for planners and managers. Curr Issues Tour. 2017; 20: 1671-1683. [ CrossRef ]

15. <span dir="RTL">‏</span>Bramwell B, Lane B. What drives research on sustainable tourism? J Sustain Tour. 2015; 23: 1-3. [ CrossRef ]

16. Hall CM. Intervening in academic interventions: Framing social marketing's potential for successful sustainable tourism behavioural change. J Sustain Tour. 2016; 24: 350-375. [ CrossRef ]

17. Clarke J, Bowen D. Familiar tourists, their behaviours and place attachments: An empirical framework. Tour Recreat Res. 2018; 43: 417-431. [ CrossRef ]

18. Sharpley R. Tourism, tourists and society. London: Routledge; 2018. [ CrossRef ]

19. Shahraki AA. Transportation planning and design in Chabahar. Zahedan: University of Sistan and Baluchistan; 2018.

With changing travel patterns, the quality of transportation at tourist destinations is increasingly important. A tourist expects that the selected destination will provide facilities for physical accessibility, information, activity, service offerings, and attitudes. Thus, providing qualified services is crucial for developing functional and high-quality travel destinations.

This study introduces and analyzes the planning and designing techniques of tourism complexes according to tourist needs and local characteristics.

This research hypothesizes tourism planning development requirements to create a regional/urban master plan that includes the progress of tourism industries and regional development simultaneously. Thus, the tourism industry is a part of the municipal master plan more than before.

The research methods help achieve the goal and prove the hypothesis. The methods examine the connection between the development of the tourism industry, strategic urban planning principles, construction of new tourist complexes. It also includes climatic and green architectural design procedures, a centralized design model, optimal use of urban lands, and economic progress.

This research aims to provide a step-by-step design model for tourism complexes that helps develop tourism and region simultaneously.

This article has five parts: Introduction, Theoretical studies, Case studies, Discussions, and Conclusions.

2. Theoretical Studies

2.1 contents of this section.

We examine the ideas of scholars about strategic tourism planning, the location of tourist complexes, architectural and landscape design methods according to the characteristics of every region. This section provides a comprehensive action guide for a knowledge base and optimal design of tourism complexes.

2.2 Strategic Tourism Planning

20. <span dir="RTL">‏</span>Pred A. City-systems in advanced economies: Past growth, present processes and future development options. New York: Routledge; 2017.

21. Hjalager AM, Gesseneck MJ. Capacity-, system-and mission-oriented innovation policies in tourism-Characteristics, measurement and prospects. J Policy Res Tour Leis Events. 2020; 12: 197-216. [ CrossRef ]

22. Kahila-Tani M, Kytta M, Geertman S. Does mapping improve public participation? Exploring the pros and cons of using public participation GIS in urban planning practices. Landsc Urban Plan. 2019; 186: 45-55.<span dir="RTL">‏</span> [ CrossRef ]

1. Where are we?

2. Where do we go?

3. How do we get there?

We provide a land-use table that illustrates the land area allocated to every user category. The land-use table helps design a map. This map also acts as a basis for the anticipated spaces and provides a physical layout of the tourism complex.

Based on international experiences, the United Nations Habitat suggests the percentage of urban land required for different uses. Table 1 shows the required land percentages according to the UN recommendations and workshop experiences. Table 1 shows the land-use policy abstracted from a workshop in Chabahar.

Table 1 Land-use policy for different users in a tourism complex.

23. Asmelash AG, Kumar S. Assessing progress of tourism sustainability: Developing and validating sustainability indicators. Tour Manag. 2019; 71: 67-83. [ CrossRef ]

24. Lew AA. Tourism planning and place making: Place-making or placemaking? Tour Geogr. 2017; 19: 448-466. [ CrossRef ]

25. Dwyer L, Tomljenović R, Čorak S. Evolution of destination planning and strategy: The rise of tourism in croatia. London: Palgrave Macmillan; 2017.

26. Ivanov D, Tsipoulanidis A, Schönberger J. Global supply chain and operations management. A decision-oriented introduction to the creation of value. Berlin: Springer; 2019. [ CrossRef ]

27. Shahraki AA. Regional development assessment: Reflections of the problem-oriented urban planning. Sustain Cities Soc. 2017; 35: 224-231. [ CrossRef ]

The spatial development of the tourism complex is crucial for urban planning and management. We can analyze its location for the spatial and physical development of a tourism complex. We shall study the past, present, and future situations of a tourism complex by the problem-oriented method. The significant factors associated with the sustainable development of the tourism complex are the participation of local social groups, conservation of natural resources, especially water, soil, and plants. It also includes educating citizens to utilize the full potential of the tourism complex. The developing tourism complex creates numerous employment opportunities. It is important to define and introduce necessary projects in the tourism complex. It requires water infrastructure projects, transportation, and other urban infrastructure networks. The tourism complex needs hotels and museums, crafts, art galleries, and health centers’ projects, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic experience.

A tourism complex requires green spaces, urban beautification projects, e-commerce sites and stores, and sports places. Projects involving land-use policies shall be introduced in every tourism complex for its physical development.

2.3 The Location of the Tourism Complexes

28. <span dir="RTL">‏</span>Richards HA. Transportation costs and plant location: A review of principal theories. Transp J. 1962; 2: 19-24.<span dir="RTL">‏</span>

29. Marchionatti R. Economic theory in the twentieth century, an intellectual history-volume I. London: Palgrave Macmillan; 2020. [ CrossRef ]

Firstly, the minimum distance model minimizes transportation costs and total production costs.

Secondly, the maximum density model determines the location of services near the population centers. This model includes the desired customer density in each radius.

Thirdly, the minimum power distance model minimizes costs through customer travel to the nearest service centers.

The fourth is the model of maximum coverage maximizing the number of tourists.

30. Bryson JM. Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations: A guide to strengthening and sustaining organizational achievement. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons; 2018.

31. Coelho MS, Carlos PP, Pinto VD, Meireles A, Negreiros D, Morellato LP, et al. Connection between tree functional traits and environmental parameters in an archipelago of montane forests surrounded by rupestrian grasslands. Flora. 2018; 238: 51-59.<span dir="RTL">‏</span> [ CrossRef ]

32. Lalicic L, Önder I. Residents’ involvement in urban tourism planning: Opportunities from a smart city perspective. Sustainability. 2018; 10: 1852. [ CrossRef ]

33. Shahraki AA. Sustainable regional development through knowledge networks: Review of case studies. Front Archit Res. 2019; 8: 471-482. [ CrossRef ]

34. <span dir="RTL">‏</span>Higgins B. Regional development theories and their application. New York: Routledge; 1997.

Regional conditions are considered while locating a tourism complex as well.

35. Tournois L, Rollero C. What determines residents’ commitment to a post-communist city? A moderated mediation analysis. J Prod Brand Manag. 2019; 29: 52-68. [ CrossRef ]

There are connections among the physical environment, the determined lands, the natural environment, water resources, and tourism development situations. The tourism complexes, beautiful squares, streets, sidewalks, and urban infrastructures influence tourism positively. These individual buildings in tourism complexes and details like paving, plantations, furnishings, lighting, and signs create the entire tourism complex. In the mountain village or coastal society, the urban environment and the maintained landscape influence tourist experiences. Improper road construction or a newly constructed environment gives a negative impression. We need to maintain the quality of the natural environment in complexes.

Transport infrastructures like roads, railways, ports, airports, and telecommunications are fundamental. Improvements and investments in transportation increase travel opportunities and visit the destination. In the regional/urban master plan, the communications and connections of the tourism complex with its surrounding environment are successful in this tourism industry.

The location for the tourism complex will be rich in natural resources. Flora, fauna, rich nature, and landscape help increase tourist numbers. The cultural heritage in music, dance, theater, village games, and national holidays are factors that improve the complex. The infrastructure of a tourism complex and the host region will be accessible. Collaboration between public and individual actors is crucial in securing tourist areas and highlighting their development possibilities.

In theoretical studies, the variables that influence the location of tourism complexes are site location and geography, the regional climate, local hydrological features, geology, topology, and its natural environment. These factors also include demographic characteristics of the city, local economic capabilities, obstacles to site development, spatial and physical site structures, and urban infrastructures.

Figure 1 illustrates variables affecting the location of the tourism complex.

Figure 1 Variables affecting the location of tourism complexes (source: The result from the author’s workshop experiences).

We will consider the variables presented in Figure 1 when designing the tourism complex location.

2.4 Design of Tourism Complexes

2.4.1 the process of spatial planning and design of a tourism complex.

The building process of a tourism complex includes the following steps:

Firstly, introducing a representative team from the tourism industry to the urban strategic planning group. The representative helps the urban land use and outlines its policies and needs. The area and the location needed for the tourism industry will be defined in the master map of the city. The representatives will introduce types of tourism activities according to their regional potential and characteristics. The next step is deciding the location and land area for a tourism complex based on the theories and methods. We consider the possible tourist activities, the planners and entrepreneurs provide a table, including the location, tourism complex area, and geometric shape of the land allotted for spatial distribution. This table is a physical table of the tourism complex site. We then prepare a residential land-use map from the physical table. According to the land-use map, the architects and civil engineers design the architectural and structural maps of the required projects in the tourism complex building. These results are known as an album of maps. Finally, we set a timetable and implementation plan to build the tourism complex with detailed projects. The album of maps helps planners in constructing the operations. The following chart shows the step-by-step process ( Figure 2 ):

Figure 2 The flow chart for planning and constructing the tourism complex (Source: The result of the author’s workshop experiences).

2.4.2 Design of the Tourism Complexes Requires Policies

36. Bigné E, Decrop A. Paradoxes of postmodern tourists and innovation in tourism marketing. In: The future of tourism. Berlin: Springer; 2018. pp.131-154. [ CrossRef ]

2.4.3 Planning an Attractive Tourism Complex

37. Nasr N. Influence of the internal and external environment on the sustainability of business in Egypt’ tourism industry. IJHTH. 2018; 12: 160-180.<span dir="RTL">‏</span> [ CrossRef ]

2.4.4 The Most Significant Variable in the Design of Tourism Complexes:

Table 2 introduces and considers some necessary factors while building a tourism complex. It shows the crucial variables with their indicators in the design of a tourism complex.

Table 2 Considerable Variables while designing an attractive tourism complex.

Source: Derived from the author’s theoretical studies, field studies, and experiences.

Tables 1 and 2 show that the variables are abstracted from the theoretical studies, scholars’ ideas, and our workshop experiences. Scholars commonly include tourism planning development in the process of regional/municipal master planning progresses for tourism industries and regional development.

3. Methodology and Case Studies

We see the application of locating theories, strategic planning lessons, land-use policies, and some design methods to build a seaside tourism complex in Chabahar. Experiences from workshops in strategic urban planning and designing with the theoretical advice from international scholars assist the case study.

3.1 Where is Chabahar?

Chabahar Port is on the southeastern edge of Iran along the Oman Sea and runs 122 km of the blue border along the Oman Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is 7 meters above sea level and has diverse natural and environmental attractions, pristine and beautiful ecotourism, and Geo-economic privileges. We can see that in Figure 3 . Chabahar is a destination for many Iranian and global travelers. The population of Chabahar is 106,739 people. The global attention on Chabahar, the Chabahar-Milak transit corridor, and its railroad are factors that encourage its tourism. Chabahar has hospitable people interested in business and working with the world, especially the neighboring countries. Its city infrastructure and region will improve Chabahar’s capabilities. Thus, the allocation of land for constructing a tourism complex during its master plan is necessary.

Figure 3 The situation of the Chabahar port in the region.

3.2 The Location of Chabahar’s Tourism Complex

On the Oman Seashore, opposite to its desert, hills, and sea views that attract throngs of tourists, Chabahar’s seaside tourism complex planning and designing helped fulfill tourist requirements.

Table 2 shows the locating theories and indicators outlined that determine the location of the tourism complex. Since Chabahar can plan for usual tourist activities, it needs more land. For the tourism industry, it occupies 2400 hectares of land in the outskirts of Chabahar in the vicinity of Ramin village and Lipar Lake. Figure 4 exhibits the place of the tourism complex in Chabahar.

Figure 4 The location of the seaside tourism complex in Chabahar (source: Design by the author).

Figure 4 , showing the designated place for the tourism complex, is gray. The tourism complex uses a problem-oriented strategy to develop regional socioeconomics. As Iranian officials say, Chabahar municipality considers tourism as an industry. They suggested that the tourism industry representative will be included in the urban master plan team. They need to consider tourism in the early stages of the municipal master plan. Thus, the city structure and its transportation network system should be modernized. The tourism complex of Chabahar includes the following spaces: management, camping, hotels, homes, economic activities, hospitality, education, health, sport, streets, greens, and infrastructure.

3.3 Land-Use Policies in the Tourism Complex of Chabahar

suggested the physical table showing the spatial distribution in the site to follow the land-use policies and allocate the required area. The table uses knowledge about the place and various types of tourism in Chabahar. The theories will help turn the region into a sustainable and prospective one. It will attract more tourists by connecting the tourism complex to its surrounding world with the necessary infrastructures. It needs a network of modern and inviting streets. It requires adequate land to accommodate modern transport stations, halls, and terminals. The tourism complex of Chabahar must allocate lands for various special functions like villas, catering, hotels, sports, education, commerce, workshops, green spaces, and infrastructure. The tourism complex of Chabahar considers the crucial strategic factors related to sustainable development. The seaside tourism complex in Chabahar includes several tourists. There are feasible activities linked to tourism like leisure, business, culture, food, nature, history, ecology, creativity, family, science and education, water, and sports in Chabahar. Table 3 exhibits the spatial distribution of land-use policies in the tourism complex of Chabahar.

Table 3 Land-use policy for various uses in a tourism complex.

Reference: The author’s workshop activities.

The table’s right column shows the area for each category of land use. It includes undertaking the above projects at the tourism complex site with a land-use map. See the same in Figure 5 . Based on the information in the table, the land use map defines the tourism complex.

Figure 5 Land-use map of the seaside tourism complex in Chabahar (source: Design by the author).

The investors in this unique project can choose among the proposed lots. The central tourism complex will be accessible by foot, bicycle, or automobile. It creates an almost vehicle-free zone. The modern and inviting network of sidewalks serves as a vibrant lifeline for the tourism complex, connecting all its attractions and services.

3.4 The Design Methods Applied in the Chabahar Seaside Tourism Complex

They used a centralized design method to separate the seaside tourism complex physically and visually. The central tourism complex captivates the tourists and provides administrative and functional services. Figure 5 shows the elements of the tourism complex site with approximately 2,400 hectares of land. This centralization with the lifestyle and needs of the local people develops it physically and economically. This method of design also makes the site beautiful. This site considers business, hotels, and exhibitions in this center. This method creates a strong and efficient central area. The buildings are symmetric, beautiful, attractive, and climate-friendly. Figure 6 shows a 3D map of the tourism complex.

Figure 6 An Isometric 3-dimensional map of the seaside tourism complex in Chabahar (source: Design by the author).

Ratios help emphasize the center while designing the various parts of the tourism complex. Emphasizing the importance of proportional heights of the buildings in the other parts of the tourism complex is a design style. In the residential, economic, hospitality, sport, and camping parts, buildings are shorter than the central part to maintain height proportion. Colors, water, and trees help make the tourism complex more attractive. They emphasize expanding green spaces and suitable trees on the map. They used the balancing method in various parts of the tourism complex. This method uses the visual weight of the villas to promote social justice. It also helps create unity between tourists and the local people who reside in the 96-hectare camping area. Regional economics will improve by combining the interests and the cultural, scientific, social, and economic programs. The proposed rhythmic design technology will help connect multiple parts of the tourism complex. In this design model, They placed all streets, plazas, and parks in residential, economic, medical, education, and sport parts with beautiful trees, pedestrian benches at convenient distances, light, and water. It is vital to communicate between components of the tourism complex. For example, Figure 7 exhibits the maritime transport infrastructure designed in this tourism complex.

Figure 7 The 3D view of the Maritime transport infrastructure in the tourism complex of Chabahar (source: Design by the author).

These actions lead to a beautiful and efficient unity throughout the skeleton of the tourism complex. The preparation of an album of architectural, structural, and executive maps comes after it. Finally, there are outlining schedules for implementation and control of projects to build the tourism complex.

4. Discussion

The literature review is necessary for tourism development with several types of tourism. Its strategic planning, defining the location of tourism complexes, and methods with the case studies, can be analyzed from literature. They follow appropriate location theories and models for Chabahar. Scholars recommended places with adequate infrastructure, an attractive natural environment, and improved services for building a tourism complex. It helps satisfy tourists and develop the tourism industry through host communities and travel destinations. Thus, several countries want more share in this global industry. Therefore, each region with tourist attractions plans to build tourism complexes according to their cultural, social, climatic, natural, and economic characteristics. This planning also helps prepare a comprehensive map of the city. Figure 1 introduces eleven variables affecting the site selection for every tourism complex. The variables are based on the analysis of requirements and possibilities in the place. Although the variables are general and differ in different countries, they assist planners with a rational location of tourism complexes everywhere.

They determined the location and required land area of the seaside tourism complex in Chabahar through strategic planning. As the theory suggests, the planning, design, and construction process of the tourism complex followed a systematic flowchart. The planning uses step-by-step activities. It introduces the representatives of the tourism industry to the municipal master plan group. It even helps define the types of regional tourism and their requirements. The other includes selecting a suitable site for the complex and preparing a physical table of its spatial distribution. It is followed by preparing a map of the land use and an album of architectural and executive maps for the complex. Finally, the designing of the tourism complex in Chabahar happens.

38. Liburd JJ, Benckendorff P, Carlsen J. Tourism and quality-of-life: How does tourism measure up? In: Handbook of tourism and quality-of-life research. Dordrecht: Springer; 2011. pp.105-132. [ CrossRef ]

39. Westcott M, Bird G, Briscoe P, Freeman R, Glazer K, Henry K, et al. Introduction to tourism and hospitality in BC. North Vancouver: Capilano University; 2012.

40. Boukas N, Ziakas V. Tourism policy and residents' well-being in Cyprus: Opportunities and challenges for developing an inside-out destination management approach. J Dest Mark Manage. 2016; 5: 44-54. [ CrossRef ]

The place chosen to build a tourist complex on the Chabahar coast is according to its strategic location. Figures 3 and 4 show the advantages of this region which lead to the successful tourism complex. Table 3 is a physical table of the spatial distribution and a land-use table. It shows the required elements of the tourism complex. Chabahar complex has adequate infrastructure, streets and passages, squares, green space, and central management. It has camping, residential areas, economic, catering, educational areas, and medical, sports, and services. Several activities are performed, and the required land area is determined. The total required land for the site is 2,400 hectares.

The design methods applied a centralized model for building an impressive and functional center. The symmetric model with ratios contributed to maintaining desired site harmony. The design method helps emphasize the importance of proportional heights of the buildings in the complex. Colors, water, and trees also make the design more attractive. The design methods promote social justice by connecting tourists and the local people in the camping area with its 96-hectare land. A proposed rhythmic design model connects the tourism complex with necessary accessibility. The design model connects all streets, plazas, parks, homes, economic centers, medical buildings, education offices, and sport parts.

According to studies on the significance of the tourism industry in developing economies, there are efforts to design an attractive and optimal tourist complex. The seaside tourism complex will also simultaneously develop tourism and economic prosperity of the Chabahar region.

5. Conclusions

This study reviewed the importance of developing tourism complexes for optimal tourism hospitality and regional development. It enhanced the skills in developing tourism complexes during the urban master plan. We also considered the tourism industry requirements in the process of urban/regional development. Thus, the study analyzed strategic policies for tourism development to write a guideline for its case studies. We also considered the methods for finding suitable places (locations) to build tourism complexes. The practical procedures of this study revealed the relationship between providing optimal services for tourists and the socioeconomic and physical development of destinations.

This paper applied centralized and symmetric design models to achieve optimal results and social justice with the step-by-step tourism development process. The research analysis proved the possibility of economic growth through optimal planning and design of the tourism complexes. All agents of the tourism industry and regional/urban development everywhere can use the research outcome to improve tourism and increase economic prosperity. This article can also be a reference for educational courses in tourism sciences, the construction of tourism complexes, and regional development.

Author Contributions

The author did all the research work of this study.

Competing Interests

The author has declared that no competing interests exist.

• Smith VL. Hosts and guests: The anthropology of tourism. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press; 2012.
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