Exploring the Sustainability in a Rural Area of the World Heritage City of Yazd During the COVID-19 Pandemic

A surviving eco-lodge in Yazd, Irandemonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic through sustainable innovations that could serve as a model for similar rural tourism ventures. The study found that strategies such as collaborating with local entrepreneurs, promoting handicraft sales via social media, organizing creative events for children, and partnering with universities and NGOs helped the eco-lodge maintain financial stability and community support amid the pandemic's economic disruptions. The research employed qualitative methods, including a semi-structured interview with the lodge owner and analysis of his operational data, to assess sustainability practices in adaptive reuse of traditional architecture. This case highlights the potential for rural heritage sites to thrive through innovative, community-centered approaches even during global crises.

Pour Farashah, M. D., Aslani, E., & Ansarisadrabadi, A. (2025). Exploring the Sustainability in a Rural Area of the World Heritage City of Yazd During the COVID-19 Pandemic. World Heritage and Tourism Innovation, 5–15. https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-417-0.5-15