Determining Strategies for the Development of Sustainable Rural Tourism based on the SWOT-QSPM Composite Matrix

Many development planners cite the tourism industry as a major componenet of sustainable development. The development of sustainable rural tourism, while helping the income and livelihood of the villagers, protects the unique natural attractions and indigenous culture of the village. Dashtak village is part of the Drudzen district of Marvdasht city and due to its location in the heart of the mountains as well as having a suitable climate can be a unique environment for leisure time of tourists. In this study, using descriptive-analytical method and relying on library and field studies, the tourist attractions of Dashtak village were identified and strategies for the development of sustainable rural tourism were provided. Data analysis was based on a combined model of SWOT matrix and QSPM strategic planning quantitative matrix. The findings of the study indicated that the staircase texture of the village and its numerous gardens and local customs and monuments are among the tourist attractions of Dashtak village which can revitalize the tourism industry in this village. The greatest obstacle to achieving this goal is inadequate and inefficient management, weak infrastructure and lack of public awareness, and, according to the analysis, conservative strategies should be given priority in tourism development programmes of this village; strategies that attempt to reduce weaknesses by taking advantage of existing opportunities. The strategies presented were prioritized by the QSPM matrix. According to the findings, the strategy of using allocated budgets to create appropriate tourism infrastructure and equipment due to the existence of tourism potential had high priority.