Aim: This study aims to identify and prioritize the barriers to the development of ecotourism lodges in Khorasan Razavi Province. Despite the province's significant tourism potential, the expansion of these lodges faces infrastructural, economic, managerial, and cultural challenges. This study examines these barriers and proposes solutions to improve conditions and facilitate the sustainable development of ecotourism accommodations.
Material & Method: This research employs a cross-sectional survey methodology conducted in the winter of 2025 and is applied in nature. Data were collected through a questionnaire comprising 31 items based on a Likert scale. The statistical population consisted of 23 first-grade ecotourism lodges in Khorasan Razavi Province, from which 13 were selected using purposive sampling. Additionally, local experts, including lodge owners, tourism officials, village administrators, and ecotourism stakeholders, were chosen as respondents. Data analysis was performed using one-sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and the MEREC multi-criteria decision-making model in SPSS.
Finding: The study findings indicate that economic and livelihood challenges are the primary barriers to the development of ecotourism lodges in Khorasan Razavi Province, while socio-cultural and managerial challenges also play significant roles. The results of the one-way ANOVA test confirmed significant differences among the studied villages, attributed to infrastructural conditions, government support, and cultural acceptance. Furthermore, the MEREC model revealed that economic issues hold the greatest weight among the barriers to development. These findings underscore the need for economic support policies, cultural awareness initiatives, and improvements in managerial infrastructure.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the development of ecotourism lodges in Khorasan Razavi Province is significantly influenced by economic, social, managerial, and infrastructural barriers. Economic challenges, particularly limited investment and high operational costs, pose the most critical obstacles. Additionally, cultural resistance and insufficient government support have hindered growth in certain areas.