Evaluation of Geotourism Capabilities of Salt Dome Landforms in Sustainable Development of Tourism (Case study: South of Semnan)

Salt domes are one of the most interesting geomorphologic landforms that have great potential in attracting tourists and developing the geotourism industry. Due to the existence of various salty geomorphosites in Semnan, there are not systematic researches for estimating these geomorphosites for developing tourism and creating its infrastructures. Therefore, it is necessary to estimating the capability of salty diapirism landforms in developing tourism in the study region. In the present study, we try to estimate the data of field observation and questionnaire information about geamorphosite value of salty domes in the south of Semnan by using Reynard and Pereira methods. The present research is quantitative in terms of research paradigm, field, library and questionnaire in terms of collecting data, and in terms of purpose is applied, which is based on descriptive-analytical method. First, the results of literature were studied, field measurements and interpreting the satellite images have presented in the form of recognition sheet, then have given scores to each criteria and sub-criteria in Reynard and Pereira method, according to experts opinion and field observations. The results indicated that in the Reynard method, the scientific value (0.785) and combination value (0.547) and in the Pereira method, Geomorphological value (6.74) and Managerial value (4.66) have obtained the highest and lowest scores, respectively. The high scientific and geomorphological values in geomorphosite is due to the aesthetic values and educational capability of geomorphologic processes​​, and then the virginal of the landforms in the area due to the unfamiliar of these geomorphosites to tourists and the lack of attention of the officials to these tourist attractions. In contrast, low values of combination and management, indicates poor management and lack of support equipment and services in the region. In general, geomorphosite obtained a good final score based on two methods, which indicates the high capability of geomorphosite in the attraction of tourism. The results of present research can be used by decision makers to develop the salt geotourism in the province.