Geographical risks and sustainable tourism in desert destinations (case study: Khour and Biabanak)

Tourists seek escape, relaxation, or adventure. However, despite the pursuit of pleasure, travel involves inherent risks. Safety and security are paramount concerns for travelers, as both real and perceived dangers can influence their destination choices and overall travel experience. Desert tourism, often associated with adventure, is inherently linked to a range of geographical risks. While previous research has explored various tourism-related hazards, a comprehensive understanding of these risks from a geographical perspective, especially in arid environments, remains to be limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the geographical risks associated with tourism in the Khour and Biabanak regions. Through a systematic analysis and interviews with tour guides, six primary risk categories were identified. Meteorological risks include heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and air and water pollution. Geological hazards include sandstorms (getting lost or disoriented in sandstorms, sand entering the lungs and causing respiratory problems, effects of sand on vision and hearing) and rockfalls at the Garmeh hot spring. Risks associated with tourism activities stem from activities such as falling from a camel during camel riding, off-roading (tipping over ATVs and off-road vehicles, collisions between tourists and these vehicles), and risks during field visits (falling from the roof of Biyazeh Castle or falling into the moat). Risks from the region's wildlife include collisions with camels and other native animals, as well as insect stings and bites. Risks from plant life (poisonous plants) constitute additional threats. Finally, risks associated with the human environment include food poisoning, unfriendly behavior of locals, low standards of hygiene, and cultural conflicts. By delineating these risks, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by tourists and destination managers in desert environments. The findings can inform the development of risk mitigation strategies, enhance tourism safety, and contribute to the sustainable development of desert destinations.

Geographical risks and sustainable tourism in desert destinations (case study: Khour and Biabanak) Keywords:

Risks , Desert destinations , Sustainable tourism , Geography , Khour and Biabanak