Investigating Geotourism capabilities of the Gavkhoni Wetland according to the SWOT model

Abstract

Tourism and the environment are so close to each other and the physical environment creates innumerable attraction for sustainable tourism. Geotourism as a new choice in sustainable tourism not only focuses on all natural and humanistic features but also considers the performance of one place. One can play an effective role in the national development and national economy diversification of the area by planning and recognizing the opportunities as well as the limitation of Geotourism. Thus, there are two questions here: 1. What are the potentialities and limitations of Geotourism development? 2. Which strategies are required for developing this type of tourism and following national and regional development? Using measurement and field studies methods and determination of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats by SWOT, the authors provide some strategies and suggestions for developing Geotourism in the Gavkhoni Wetland. Experimental analysis about this area presents that although the geotourist in this area is very various, this area is confronted with serious transregional threats. We will have a powerful Geotourism pole in this region, if the tourism infrastructure policies minimize and review. © 2010 WIT Press.