Associate Professor of Economics, Department of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Purpose: Maritime transportation and its role in tourism is an issue that has received less attention until now. Maritime transportation is the process of moving people, goods, etc. by boat, ship and other vessels on seas, oceans, lakes, canals and rivers. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the experience of tourists traveling to Kish Island. Materials and Methods: The purpose of this research is practical and the research problem is descriptive and analytical. Also, the time of data collection was cross-sectional (winter 2019). The statistical population of the research includes all tourists who have entered Kish Island by sea. Considering that the statistical population of those who entered Kish Island by sea is an unlimited population, therefore, based on Cochran's formula and random sampling method, 384 people were selected as the sample size. Findings: To achieve the goal of the research, importanceperformance analysis (IPA) was used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the cruise experience to Kish Island for the components of tourists' satisfaction. Conclusion: According to the literature related to the subject as well as the conversation and interview conducted with tourists, 13 indicators were identified. Among the criteria placed in the first quarter, the diversity of the sea route with a weight of 20.56% ranks first, satisfaction with comfort and convenience with a weight of 14.69% ranks second, satisfaction with food facilities with a weight of 14.26% ranks third, satisfaction with ship security with a weight of 12.22 % won the fourth rank.