Environmental and strategic assessment of ecotourism potential in Kandovan Village

Social and environmental impacts, responses and indicators are reviewed for the mainstream tourism sector worldwide, in fve categories: population, peace, prosperity, pollution and protection,tourism contributions to urban development, material consumption, and pressure on protected areas.Depending on the improvement of environmental consciousness, new trends appeared and innovation and diversity increased in tourism. In recent years, tourism has been playing a more signifcant role in the economies of several developing countries. Ecotourism is seen as atool for conservation and sustainable development. Integrated ecosystems of forests, coastal zones, mountains, wetlands and dunes have both ecological and economical values for the people living in the arae. an alternative activity, which gives priority to the protection of natural and cultural values, should be improved for the people. SWOT analysis is used extensively as an assessment and planning method, particularly in tourism planning. However, there are little documentations on application of SWOT analysis in ecotourism. An assessment on systematic use of SWOT analysis was carried out in the present study to highlight the applicability of the SWOT technique in detailed investigations. In this study, based on field surveys and questionnaires matrix of internal and external factors (threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strength) influencing tourism development in Anzali Wetland were evaluated within the framework of SWOT analysis and SO, WO, ST and WT strategies were identified.

Environmental and strategic assessment of ecotourism potential in Kandovan Village Keywords:

ecotourism , SWOT , analysis , Kandovan