The Model of Ecotourism Industry Development Resultants in Border Areas A Case Study of Border Areas of Kurdistan Province

One of the main economic concerns of the country and policy-making is the creation of stability in border areas and regional areas, to deal with problems such as unemployment, low agricultural productivity, increasing migration to cities, and marginalization through it. The ecotourism development industry in these areas can solve these problems. This study aims to provide a model to identify the Results of ecotourism development in border areas of Kurdistan province.

In terms of methodology, this research is mixed research that is done with content analysis and Delphi methods. In the content analysis method, data collection was performed using library studies and in the Delphi method, data collection was performed using a questionnaire survey in three rounds. The research community in the content analysis method includes all texts related to the research topic and in the Delphi method, includes eco-tourism industry experts. The sampling method was complete enumeration in the content analysis method and snowball sampling in the Delphi method.

In the Delphi method, 30 experts collaborated with researchers until the end of the third round. In the Delphi method, 22 new indicators were identified, and finally, after three Delphi rounds, 45 indicators were approved by experts, and 9 were not approved.

The research model includes three dimensions (Political, Economic, and Social results), 21 components, and 45 indicators. Paying attention to the model proposed in this research and its practical suggestions can lead to a better understanding of the need to develop the ecotourism industry in the border areas of Iran.