Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Professor, Department of Urban and Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2
, Professor, Department of Urban & Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili,Ardabil,Iran.
3
Associate Professor, Department of Urban & Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili,Ardabil,Iran.
4
PhD Student in Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili,Ardabil,Iran.
10.22034/gp.2026.70542.3487
Abstract
Assessing spatial justice in tourism requires analyzing the spatial configuration of services across different spatial scales, as merely counting facilities cannot adequately reflect patterns of spatial balance or inequality. This study aims to examine the spatial distribution of tourism services in the rural areas of Binalood County (Torqabeh–Shandiz) and to interpret its implications for spatial justice. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in method. The statistical population consisted of 54 villages, of which 35 villages (17 tourism-oriented and 18 less tourism-oriented) were selected through purposive sampling. Spatial data—including eco-lodges, restaurants and cafés, cultural sites, and historical attractions—were collected from official sources, field surveys, and satellite imagery and validated through multi-source cross-verification. Spatial analyses were conducted using the Nearest Neighbor Index (NNI) and Global Moran’s I in ArcGIS.
The NNI results reveal statistically significant clustered patterns for all service categories at the local scale (NNR < 1; p < 0.01). The highest clustering intensity was observed for eco-lodges (NNR = 0.33; Z = -14.24) and restaurants and cafés (NNR = 0.32; Z = -17.53), indicating strong spatial concentration in specific nodes. Public services (NNR = 0.49) and historical sites (NNR = 0.54) also exhibited clustering but with lower intensity. At the regional scale, Global Moran’s I confirmed a polarized spatial structure only for market-driven tourism services. Eco-lodges (I = 1.65; p < 0.001), restaurants and cafés (I = 0.97; p < 0.001), and cultural sites (I = 0.97; p = 0.003) showed significant positive spatial autocorrelation, whereas public services (p = 0.96) and historical sites (p = 0.32) lacked spatial dependence and followed random distribution patterns.
The findings indicate a multi-scalar spatial differentiation: while local-scale clustering is ubiquitous, only market-oriented tourism activities form structured regional hubs. From a spatial justice perspective,
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