Analysis of the Economic, Socio-Cultural, and Environmental Impacts of Tourism Development in Bamyan Province

Abstract

Tourism is currently recognized as a strategic industry in the global economy, exerting extensive impacts on economic, socio-cultural, political, and environmental dimensions. This industry plays a pivotal role in economic development through the creation of sustainable employment, attraction of investment, and stimulation of local demand. Furthermore, tourism contributes to enhancing the political legitimacy of countries and improving their international standing. Therefore, sustainable tourism development is considered an effective instrument for advancing comprehensive development goals and elevating countries’ positions in the global arena.Accordingly, the present study aims to analyze the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental effects of tourism development in Bamyan province. The study population comprised 65 experts, includeing officials from the Departments of Information and Culture, Environment, and Municipality of Bamyan. Data collection was conducted via a questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed by experts and reliability verified through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. To examine the relationships and impacts of tourism development on economic, socio-cultural, and environmental domains, Pearson correlation and simple linear regression tests were employed.The results indicate that tourism development has had positive effects on economic and socio-cultural development. However, it is noteworthy that the regression analysis reveals some negative environmental impacts of tourism in Bamyan province, such as noise pollution and the dispersal of waste and refuse in tourism areas.s