Evaluating the Relative Performance of Tourism Management in the Iranian Government's Third and Fourth “Development Program”

For sustainable and appropriate development in tourism industry, powerful and integrated management as well as coordination between public and private sectors are very important. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relative performance of tourism management. The year 2000 to 2008 were considered in this study, which represent the third Development Plan as well as the first four years of the fourth Development Plan. In addition, descriptive- analytical research method, mathematical model of data envelopment analysis and three input and four output indexes were employed while the statistical population covered all provinces of Iran. The results show Tehran as having the first rank in both development programs. Moreover, the differences between highest and lowest performances have decreased. The greatest increase and decrease of efficiency is related to Semnan and Tehran. Sensitivity analysis showed that the most sensitive index among input indexes was the number of bed's index and among output indexes it was the number of domestic tourists' index. Also, Bed occupancy rate index has greatest potential for growth. Finally, it is noteworthy to mention that the weakness in tourism infrastructures are greater that weakness in output of any province