Comparative analysis of tourism supply chains in Corona epidemic in Ahmedava Kurdistan, Iraq; and Hajij village, Kermanshah province, Iran

Purpose: This epidemic has affected many aspects of tourism supply chains. On the demand side, it has affected both local and international tourism. It is necessary to pay attention to rural tourism and look for methods to mitigate the effects of the corona.Methods: The study was descriptive, analytical, and qualitative. The statistical population includes local activists and stakeholders in the tourism area in Hajij and Ahmadava. A targeted sampling method was used (including 60 people). The results demonstrated that the main effects of Corona on tourism were economic. There have also been psychological and cultural consequences of the restrictions, such as fear of tourists in local communities, reduced interaction between groups, and isolation of villagers.Results: Many people employed in tourism are on the verge of bankruptcy. Despite the negative impact of coronavirus on tourism, this epidemic has led to a reduction in pollution, the strengthening of virtual tourism, and the use of information tools. Based on the results, several practical recommendations were made, including supporting businesses in the tourism industry through sponsorship and facilitation incentives, strengthening the communication infrastructure, and holding cultural festivals according to the proposed guidelines.Conclusion: This research showed that the weakness of the tourism chain in Iran compared to Iraqi Kurdistan caused the coronavirus disease to cause more damage to the region’s rural tourism economy.