Chapter 16 A Holistic Analysis of the Second-home Tourism Impacts in the Caspian Sea Region of Iran : From Host Communities’ Perspective

This chapter evaluates the effects of second-home phenomena in several cities which, due to their unique spatial characteristics, are the target destination for the people who wish to escape routine life. The study setting, the Caspian Sea coastal zone, is endowed with natural comparative advantages due to its lush and green landscape, as well as sun, sea, and sand tourism, and has been experiencing high growth of second homes and village tourism during recent decades. Social exchange and stakeholder theories within the context of sustainable development compose the frame on which this study is based. The findings are discussed and followed with implications and hints for future research.