Sustainable tourism balances economic, social, and environmental impacts. UNWTO and GSTC set global standards for sustainable tourism. Tourism industry contributes $9.6 trillion to global GDP
1994 JoST special edition established rural tourism as distinct tourist activity. Lane's 1994 paper 'What is rural tourism?' was groundbreaking. Rural tourism concept continues to evolve and expand internationally
Abyaneh, Iran's red village, dates back 1500 years with red clay houses. Meymand, one of four rocky villages, features 405 caves with 2560 rooms. Kharanagh, 4500-year-old desert village, has abandoned mud-brick houses. Masouleh, a 1000-year-old rooftop village, has unique stair-stepped architecture