Analysis and Evaluation of Ecotourism Development Potential and Strategies in Rijab Region (Kermanshah Province)

Today, the goal of tourism planning is to fulfil the need to create sustainable planning in order to prevent the destructive effects of tourist activities on the tourist environments and areas (cities, villages, etc.), and that although tourist activities have achieved better goals and economic effects, these goals should be used to satisfy the tourists and to improve the quality of the welfare and life of local communities (residents) and human beings. The Rijab area is located in the Zagros Mountain range as a geotourist area. With its typical geomorphologic features and the presence of tourist attractions, this region has high tourist potentials. This article aims to study the capabilities and limitations of geotourism and to develop the best strategy for the prosperity and improvement of tourism management in this region. The research method is a combination of two methods of secondary and field studies. In the secondary method, in addition to the subject-related texts, some of the information needed, especially quantitative information, was gathered through referrals to libraries, departments and organizations. In field study, information was gathered through direct observation (image and video), interviews and questionnaires. Ten Delphi questionnaires were completed and then analyzed by SWOT model. Finally, internal and external factors were evaluated and the strategies of these factors were extracted. The extraction of internal and external matrices showed that WO strategies have a higher priority for implementation, and ultimately these factors, by quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM), were prioritized as follows: 1- Strengthening the specialist force; 2. Construction and improvement of the status of residential-service units; 3. Protection of typical tourism attractions (especially geomorphologic); 4. vast advertisements; 5. Familiarizing local people with the culture of tourism; 6. Adding to the extent of the tourist area by utilizing the surrounding lands and the participation of investors and government.