The Estimated Carrying Capacity of Tourism in Protected Areas (Case Study: Qhamishloo National Park and Wildlife Refuge)

Each region has limited potential for attracting visitors. This restriction is often determined by carrying capacity concept. To determine the carrying capacity of tourism in Ghamishloo national park and wildlife refuge, the required data were collected through field study, questionnaires, and statistics of climate recorded by weather station in Najafabad Isfahan and with the aid of expert opinions. After identifying recreational zones, carrying capacity indicators were used in the form of a questionnaire. Also, environmental and ecological information and the region current management method were discussed. Finally, physical, real and effective carrying capacity were estimated 292584, 90699 and 30835 people in a year respectively, which was corresponding to 802, 248 and 84 people in a day respectively. Due to the obtained services carrying capacity (49275 in a year and equivalent to 135 people in a day), one can conclude that service capacity of the study area is more than its management carrying capacity. It should be noted that due to the lack of management facilities, Management should not allow tourists to enter the region only by considering real and service carrying capacity. Therefore, before designing and implementing infrastructures and available tourism facilities in a protected area, first, the effective carrying capacity should be estimated and afterward, the appropriate facilities and design should be implemented.