Strategic planning for sustainable ecotourism potentials in the management areas (Case Study: Sabalan national natural monument area)

Management areas as protected areas have suitable appeal for tourist activities. In the meantime the Ecotourism concept could be as a modern phenomenon which its main motivation is Tourism, observation and enjoyment of nature and natural and cultural Landscapes and mitigate the effects of tourism activities on resources and destruction of natural areas. In order to plan the strategic sustainable ecotourism potentials in the region Sabalan National Natural monument, the FAHP-SWOT hybrid model was used. 10 sub-criteria strengths and weaknesses as internal factors and 10 sub-criteria opportunities and threats as external factors for sustainable ecotourism potential were identified. Modeling results showed that internal factors with overall score 0.631 as a major factor in sustainable ecotourism potentials. Four alternative strategies are surveyed that the SO strategy was the best strategy for sustainable ecotourism potential. Survey results indicated that there was potential for sustainable ecotourism in the region. The use of sustainable management and participation of native and local peoples in this management and development of facilities and infrastructure and establishment of winter sports and diversify tourism activities harmony with the natural environment of the region can be effective the advance goals of sustainable ecotourism in the region Sabalan National natural monument.