A General Review of the Conceptual Dimensions of Quality of Leisure, Tourism, and Sports with a Particular Focus on Iran
[Article]
Mohammad Taghi Sheykhi
Leiden
Brill
The paper explores how quality of life is influenced by leisure, tourism, and sports. While these three concepts are counted as the cultural needs of the current industrial and especially urban life, they are not well-provided in many parts of the Third World. While working hours are shortened in the industrial world, followed by provision of leisure and tourism, leisure opportunities are less prevalent in the developing world including many parts of Asia. It should be kept in mind that changes in the quantitative aspects of such concepts lead to qualitative change in any society. This trinity, which also leads to modernization and development, acts as an economic multiplier as well. Today, while the industrial countries invest on employment, they simultaneously do the same on leisure time and sports. Under the overall conditions, the developing countries, including Iran, have yet a long way to go. The paper explores how quality of life is influenced by leisure, tourism, and sports. While these three concepts are counted as the cultural needs of the current industrial and especially urban life, they are not well-provided in many parts of the Third World. While working hours are shortened in the industrial world, followed by provision of leisure and tourism, leisure opportunities are less prevalent in the developing world including many parts of Asia. It should be kept in mind that changes in the quantitative aspects of such concepts lead to qualitative change in any society. This trinity, which also leads to modernization and development, acts as an economic multiplier as well. Today, while the industrial countries invest on employment, they simultaneously do the same on leisure time and sports. Under the overall conditions, the developing countries, including Iran, have yet a long way to go.