Selecting the Best Management Strategies for Tourism Development in Watersheds Using the SWOT-QSPM Integration Model of Sangtarashan Watershed

Improvement of the natural tourism industry is considered as an important way for sustainable development of watersheds. Ecotourism should increase watershed income and consequently reduce the pressure caused by harvesting of natural resources. Sangtarashan watershed located in Khorramabad city, is a suitable area for tourism development. The main aim of this study was to identify the internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) of the study area available for the development of regional tourism and present appropriate strategies. To conduct this study, first, based on the basic information available in the region and with the opinion of managers and stakeholders, a list of strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities, opportunities and threats of the region was prepared and provided to experts and watershed residents to determine the importance and rank of each case to be determined. Then, internal and external factors were analyzed using SWOT model. The Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) was used to select the best strategy for tourism development in the region. According to the results conservative strategies (WO) are the most appropriate strategies for development of Sangtarashan tourism.