Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 MSc Graduate, Departement of Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
2 Associated Professor, Departement of Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
3 Professor Assitant, Departement of Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran and
4 PhD Graduate, Departement of Watershed Management and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
Abstract
Extended abstract
Introduction
Income-generating industrial tourism is economically viable, with social and cultural exchange, and at the same time contains the least environmental pollution. Geotourism was first used in the early 1990s to study a special place containing obvious geological and geomorphological phenomena. Today, the development of tourism around the world has attracted a lot of attention because tourism has become an industry that brings many benefits to both the host and the visitor. This industry has become the main source of income, employment, private sector growth and infrastructure development in many countries. The purpose of this study is to investigate the capabilities and capabilities of geotourism in Khatirkuh region located in Savadkuh city of Mazandaran province using the combined SWOT-ANP and QSPM analysis.
Materials and methods
In terms of the work steps, this research is descriptive-analytical. The method of data collection was library and survey type field studies (interviews and questionnaires) and the theoretical framework was also done using documentary method. In order to carry out the research, a questionnaire containing 83 questions was divided into four parts: economic, social, environmental and ecological and the ability of geotourism, and some questions related to suggestions and solutions are given at the end of the questionnaire. The designed questionnaire, after its reliability and validity test, was given to 71 local people, employees, experts and students, and each of the questions in the questionnaire were designed as four options based on a Likert scale. Then, using SWOT model, the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of the region in the field of geotourism were identified and prioritized and prioritized using the network analysis process method. Finally, geotourism development strategies were identified using SWOT-ANP.
Results and discussion
The results showed that the total weighted scores of strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) were 2.881 and 2.549, respectively, and the total weighted scores of opportunities (O) and threats (T) were 2.922 and 2.39, respectively. Given that the total SO scores are higher than the WT, an appropriate strategy for geotourism development planning in the region would be an aggressive strategy. Also, based on the results of quantitative strategic planning method (QSPM), the prioritization of these strategies with total points of 29.283, 28.350, 27.744, 26.877 and 26.534 respectively include ST6, SO1, SO7, WO2 and WO1 strategies. Financial resources for developing the region's tourism infrastructure, investing in infrastructure, creating new jobs for indigenous peoples, investing well in cultural sectors, and educating indigenous peoples to connect with tourists were identified more than other strategies.
Conclusion
Considering the priority of the proposed strategies for the region, it can be said that for the sustainable development of geotourism, incentives should be considered for the private sector of Khatirkoh region, because private investors are looking for more income by entering this industry, and this is their issue. makes it necessary to provide appropriate services. Unfortunately, there is not much incentive for the participation of the private sector in the tourism industry, especially in the field of geotourism in Iran and naturally in the Khatir-Kuh region. If the problems caused by not handing over to the private sector and infrastructure facilities are solved, we will witness a more sustainable development in the region.
Keywords
)