Introduction
Agri-tourism, as a novel and sustainable branch of the tourism industry, emphasizing the integration of agricultural activities, nature-based experiences, and cultural interactions, has become a key tool for the sustainable development of peri-urban areas. Information and Communication Technology (ICT), by offering tools such as digital platforms, social media, online booking systems, and new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Augmented Reality (AR), plays a transformative role in improving accessibility, marketing, and resource management for this type of tourism. The peri-urban areas of Tehran metropolis, especially Shahriar County, with their vast gardens and fertile farms, possess high potential for agri-tourism development. However, challenges such as a lack of digital infrastructure, insufficient skills, and initial costs have hindered the full utilization of these capacities. This research aims to investigate the role of information technology in the development of agri-tourism in Shahriar County, analyzing the impacts of this technology on environmental, economic, institutional, infrastructural, and technological factors, and providing solutions to overcome obstacles and strengthen this industry.
 
Methodology
The current research is descriptive-analytical and applied in nature. Data were collected through documentary studies (library resources, domestic and international articles) and a survey method based on a questionnaire. A structured questionnaire, based on a Likert scale (very high to very low), was designed and administered to a statistical population of 168 local activists, executive body employees, and private sector individuals in Shahriar County. Sampling was conducted using a judgmental (purposive) approach. Non-parametric tests (binomial, Kruskal-Wallis, and Friedman) and SPSS, Excel, and Arc GIS software were used for data analysis. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach’s Alpha and composite reliability (above 0.7), and the non-normality of data distribution was identified using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.
 
Results and discussion
The research results indicated that information technology has a significant impact on the development of agri-tourism in the peri-urban areas of Tehran. According to the Friedman test, the indicators “business development” (mean rank 31.20), “job creation” (30.90), and “increase and diversification of income” (30.83) had the highest impact, respectively. In the environmental dimension, “biodiversity and ecosystem protection” (mean 3.246) showed the most impact. In the economic dimension, “increase and diversification of income” (mean 4.636) was prominent, and in the institutional dimension, “collaboration between institutions” (mean 4.126) played a key role. Among infrastructural factors, “internet access speed” (mean 4.345) and among technological factors, “strengthening startups and smart businesses” (mean 4.298) had the most impact. The Kruskal-Wallis test confirmed a significant difference between various factors, such that technological factors had a more indirect effect and environmental factors had a more direct effect. These findings are consistent with previous studies such as Shirmohammadi and Alipour (1403), who attributed a 25% increase in farm visits to social media, and Sigala (2022), who emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure. However, challenges such as a lack of high-speed internet, insufficient digital skills, and initial costs have limited the full utilization of technology.
Conclusion
Information technology, by improving marketing, accessibility, and resource management, is an effective tool for the development of agri-tourism in the peri-urban areas of Tehran, especially Shahriar County. This technology, by creating digital platforms, strengthening the local economy, and enhancing tourist experiences, contributes to achieving sustainable development goals. However, the success of this process depends on overcoming obstacles such as a lack of digital infrastructure and insufficient skills. Research recommendations include investment in high-speed internet, digital education for local communities, providing subsidies to reduce initial costs, fostering inter-sectoral partnerships, and supporting technology startups. These measures can transform Shahriar County into a prominent destination for agri-tourism and ensure the economic, social, and environmental development of the region.
Funding
According to the responsible author, this article has no financial support
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
 We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.