An Analyses of Tourism Development in Iran Emphasizing Eco-Tourism Resorts

based on the ecotourism potential of Iran, there is a greater chance to benefit from the field of ecotourism to help the development of the country, and in this area, paying attention to the development of Eco lodges is a solution to achieving the desired results. The purpose of this research was to investigate the development capacity of ecotourism resorts in the provinces of Iran.

This descriptive-analytical research was conducted during 2023-2024. The geographical scope was the provinces of Iran. Effective criteria on the development capacity of eco-lodge were prepared using the research background study. The criteria for each of the provinces were examined by studying relevant research background (2012-2022), statistical yearbooks, and reports of competent authorities. TOPSIS method was used to rank the provinces of the country. The weight of criteria in the TOPSIS method was determined through the Entropy model. The final map of the eco-lodge development capacity was provided by GIS.

The highest capacity for eco-lodge development were obtained for Yazd, Isfahan, Tehran, Fars, and North Khorasan, and the lowest capacity was obtained for Ilam, Lorestan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad, Sistan Baluchistan and Hormozgan.

Eco-lodge development is a strategy for ecotourism development, which can be implemented according to several factors such as natural attractions, eco-lodge management, and infrastructure development. The provinces of Ilam, Lorestan, Kohgiluyeh, Boyar Ahmad, Sistan Baluchistan, and Hormozgan have the lowest capacity to develop ecotourism residences, which require appropriate planning and strategies to improve this capacity.