Resource-based evaluation of tourism sample areas based on the competitiveness model of tourist destinations and multi-criteria decision analysis

Although the multi-criteria decision analysis method has been used in various business areas, nevertheless, it has received less attention in the field of tourism. The main goal of this paper, according resource-based comparative advantages approach, evaluation and prioritize tourism potential regions using competitiveness models and done by Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis method. Another goal of this study is specification of comparative importance of attributes that are determinative to identify comparative advantages, not necessarily competitive, of tourism regions for development and investment. Fifteen experts from West Azarbayjan participated in this study. 5 Criterion and 15 sub- Criterion, according literature review and expert viewpoints, are used as a main attributes of this study. Findings revealed that Mhabad Lake well-evaluated according of this study attributes, and physical and environmental attributes include the climatic conditions, landscape and ecology, and the socio-cultural attributes include the history, politics, art, economic activities, ways of life, monuments, individual buildings and built environment was the upmost rank among other criterions. At the end The AHP model was shown to be a reliable tool to evaluate destination competitiveness. Theoretical and managerial implications and future research suggestions are discussed.