A Survey of the Role and Place of Ecotourism of Rudkhan Castle, A Step toward the Development of Tourism

Today, because of its impact upon the process of production, employment, and economic development, tourism industry is very important to many countries. Having lots of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, Iran enjoys a special stand in tourism in the world. Ecotourism of Rudkhan Castle (the Iranian Great Wall)- a district located in Fuman, Gilan - is regarded as an important center of tourism in Iran. It can attract thousands of tourists both from Iran and abroad due to its unique situation, its state of location, its climate, its topography, its handicrafts, its waterfalls, the ways their people make a living, the type of its architecture, and building materials used in the construction of the castle. Having different potentialities, the district under study is, in fact, a great capital and treasure in tourism for Iran. Therefore, the region is worth studying and it has a good perspective for developing the tourism industry. In this study, the writer has tried to show, as far as possible, aspects of ecotourism of Qhaleh Rudkhan (the Rudhkan Castle). To achieve this, the sources and data have been gathered through method of field study and researches so that the potentialities of the district can be recognized and proper solutions for solving some problems and remedies for some shortcomings can be presented. Consequently, it is hoped the study can help boost the district economy and to attract more tourists both from inside and outside of Iran.