Determining Tourism Priorities and Investment in selected Rural Tourism Sites in Northwest Guilan

Abstract Prioritization of selected touristic sites according to multi criteria decision technics, with the purpose of determining the tourism potentials of these areas for tourism planning, development and investment and launching reconstruction projects counts is considered as a necessary approach to the process leading to uniform and sustainable development of rural areas and prevention of waste of time and money. In this research instances rural touristic areas in west Guilan are prioritized for tourism development and investment. To do this a descriptive-analytic approach is used along with 29 criteria, 11 of which concerning natural and human attractions, 5 regarding tourists attracting domain, and 9 involving authorized and programmable land area. Findings resulted from analytical hierarchy process (AHP) demonstrated that Lisar area, as a selected touristic site, was ranked as number one for tourism planning and development. This is because of the beautiful beach and historical sites in Lisar, its artificial, cultural and social attractions, as well as the touristic route with beautiful scenery. Esteel lagoon, regarded as having natural and human attractions such as lagoon, lake, penetrable forest, historical sites and social and cultural attractions stands second for tourism planning and development. Touristic village of Guisoom, being a part of Talesh county, with sand beach, forest route, and artificial and natural attractions achieved a rating of three for tourism planning and development