Strategic Spatial Planning for Sustainable Development of Rural Tourism Purposes Using the SOAR Strategic Model

Developing rural tourism based on the development of sustainable tourism and turning tourism into an economic engine for the region to develop rural areas is one of the most important issues requiring the adoption of logical and strategic strategies in accordance with regional and local capabilities and with planning orientation. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to develop the rural tourism destinations in the east of Mazandaran province, considering the spatial dimensions (human, activity, space), and the dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, cultural, and environmental). This study is descriptive-analytical and the related data collected based on documentary analysis, surveying and field studies. The statistical sample of the study included 10 experts from the Organization of Cultural Heritage and Handicrafts of Tourism of the province and 21 dignitaries. The SOAR analysis technique was used to develop a strategy for developing and explaining the strengths, opportunities, aspirations and measurable results. The results of the study showed that stakeholders' most important strategies are holding conferences and meetings-the development of investment in rural tourism along with strengthening the physical infrastructures and eliminating the problems associated with environmental barriers (topography, slope and height) of tourism sites.