Evaluation of ecotourism potential in Orumieh Lake using SWOT strategic model

Orumieh lake as the world's second largest lake, largest Permanent Watershed in West Asia and second largest natural habitats for animals in Iran and because of its environmental nature, important natural resources, climate geography and biodiversity can provide best field for national and international ecotourism attraction by proper and timely planning. So this study by descriptive- analytical research method and data collection approach include library and field methods, try to use SWOT analytical model for introducing this lake's ecotourism strengthes and weakness points and in line of tourism stable developing for this region, offer practical strategies along with sustainable development. Results of the survey shows that the strengths of the lake, such as plant species diversity, biodiversity including birds, salt water and bringing up green and blue algae, variety geomorphologic species in the region can make it a great tourism region in the conditions of practical and rigorous planning.