Urban Garden Tourism and Its Role in Local Economic Development: A Case Study of Kasham Garden City

گردشگری باغ شهری و نقش آن در توسعه‌ی اقتصاد محلی(مورد مطالعه: باغ شهر کشم)

چکیده

Abstract

Tourism represents a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry in the modern era, with urban gardens being among the most significant tourist attractions. Given Afghanistan’s unique geographical conditions, the presence of urban gardens is inevitable. One such notable example is the garden city of Kasham District, which combines aesthetic beauty with strategic location. However, the effective utilization of this garden as a tourism attraction remains a critical issue. This study aims to examine the impact of Kasham Garden City on attracting tourists and fostering local economic development. Employing an analytical–descriptive survey approach, the research is applied in nature. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software. Findings indicate that the host community attitude index averaged 4.1, the employment impact index averaged 3.2, and the income impact index averaged 3.6, reflecting a positive status. These results demonstrate that Kasham Garden City, as a key tourism attraction, has a significant and positive influence on local economic development. Consequently, recognizing urban gardens as valuable economic resources is both necessary and essential.

Keywords: Urban Garden Tourism, Local Economy, Kasham District, Kasham Garden City.