Strategic Planning of Sustainable Development of Ecotourism Utilizes the Integrated Model SWOT and ANP (Case Study: Dareh Anjir Wildlife Refuge)

This study aims to achieve a comprehensive assessment on capabilities and feasibility of developing sustainable ecotourism in Dareh-Anjir Wildlife Refuge and Neybaz, using hybrid model SWOT and network analysis.

The questionnaires were completed by thirty experts and indigenous people through snowball sampling. Finally, SWOT matrix used to investigate strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities and threats in the field of sustainable ecotourism strategies to deal with these threats and exploit opportunities for sustainable ecotourism were presented. Network analysis (ANP) used to prioritize the internal and external environment factors and rate the final solutions in the form of SO, WO, ST, WT.

The final result from the evaluation of internal and external factors is in the form of an aggressive strategy to make the best use of the opportunities and strengths. The results also showed that diversification strategies, reviewing and defense respectively are in the next ranking. 

Discussion and Conclusion:

The results of the strategies using ANP model shows that aggressive strategy is a priority in the planning for sustainable development of ecotourism in this region and for this should use natural functionality, attractiveness and prospects of the region, and with more advertisement of the region and make international projects such as cheetahs project, ecotourism area maintained and developed. The results of this study can be used in the implementation of protective measures for further administrative ecotourism industry in habitats of Yazd province.