Urban tourism: domestic tourism market in Tabriz

Domestic tourism in the urban areas of Iran has grown significantly in the past two decades. This rapid growth poses great potential for urban regeneration and development of the local economy. The steady stream of urban tourists from all over the country arose not because of active promotion but as a result of growing demand for travel. However, an understanding of the urban tourists' characteristics would lead to better organization and management in this regard. Availability of information is an important factor for effective planning and management of the tourism market. In line with this argument, understanding and analyzing the characteristics of tourist's to Tabriz metropolitan, a city in northwest Iran, is essential to develop appropriate strategies and effective planning in the development of urban tourism in the domestic tourism sector of Tabriz. This study examined the dominant features and characteristics of the domestic tourism market in Tabriz, and studied the motives, behavior, needs, desires and satisfaction of tourists on tourism facilities and services.