Factors affecting the development of urban tourism in Kermanshah

Diversity of dimensions and complexity of the tourism industry, according to geographical areas, has created special areas for tourism planning and management. In areas with potential for tourism development, one must seek factors causing high tourism flows, although the development of tourism in different regions is not the overall solution to resolve all issues, but it will provide the planners with a new strategy for sustainable development and reducing privation. Necessity of dealing with the issue of urban tourism is due to urbanization and the needs facing the citizens; including: apartment living, crowded cities, urban environmental uniformity, the use of leisure time, expansion of second houses, preparation of areas around towns and villages, etc. This study is done through descriptive – analytical methodology. Data is gathered from documents and library studies, field studies. The goal is to identify potentials, capabilities, limitations, and shortcomings of urban tourism in the city of Kermanshah. SWOT strategic model is used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that despite having high capacities of tourism in the historical, cultural, and natural sections, this city suffers from the lack of infrastructure and welfare facilities, poor advertising, multiple decision makers and management problems. On the other hand, Kermanshah has the tourism potentials of employment, local investment and currency income. It should be noted that reformation of administrative institutions, promotion of advertising, greater interaction between officials and organizations associated with tourism and the people are among the important strategies for sustainable development of tourism in Kermanshah city.