Providing ecotourism development strategy based on SWOT analysis and analysis network process (ANP) (Case study of Abidar Jungle Park in Sanandaj province)

Todays, tourism industry, specifically that of ecotourism, as a new strategy in the development of symbiosis of human and society in order to establish economic attainment, has found an evolving place in the development of areas. This development necessitates enough knowledge of the effective economic, social and cultural issues and factors in each area. Covering 1555 hectares, Abidar Jungle Park is located on the west south of Sanandaj province. It has relative advantages due to natural attractions. Present study tries to investigate the internal factors (cons and pros), external factors (opportunities and threats) as well as providing the ecotourism development strategy for Abidar Jungle Park. For this purpose, SWOT eclectic model and analysis network process (ANP) are employed. ANP allows for the measurement of the conditions governing strategic factors. Network model presented in this study, is composed of four levels: target (best strategy) in the first level, SWOT factors and SWOT sub-factors in the second and third levels, appropriately, and strategic options in the fourth level, for the purpose of analysis. To determine the effect of SWOT factors, following the ANP method, a questionnaire of paired comparison with nine measures was developed and completed. Super Decision software was employed to analyze the data. As a result, WT strategies were known as the best strategies to develop ecotourism within the area under study.