Solutions for Regional Ecotourism Development Using the SOAR Framework (Case Study: Yazd)

Today, the tourism industry has been recognized as an important and influential factor in the global economy, and the various countries of the world are taking advantage of this industry to achieve sustainable economic, social, cultural development, and so on. In this industry, natural attractions have a dual value; one of the most important forms is ecotourism or natural tourism. Not only governmental organizations, but private organizations also have only a superficial understanding of ecotourism activities; as it is still at the beginning point, the economic, social and cultural effects of ecotourism’s development in Iran have not yet been identified. With the aim of identifying and introducing ecotourism attractions, this research presents a clear picture of the ecotourism conditions of Yazd province and the effects of these natural capacities on tourism development. Finally, there are some practical solutions for the development of ecotourism in Yazd province. This is a descriptive-analytical research and data was collected using documentary, surveying and field studies methods. The SOAR analytical technique has been used to elaborate a development strategy and to describe the strengths, opportunities, aspirations and measurable results. Based on the results obtained, with regard to the identified strengths such as the existence of areas of people’s participation in the tourism activities and Yazd province being located in Central Iran, etc., opportunities have been provided such as increasing employment and development of the province, which ultimately, will lead to opportunities, such as achieving a sustainable environment, reaching the highest levels of prosperity and comfort in the province, achieving full employment, etc. It is also expected to achieve results such as doubling of funding, the creation of a camp and a recreational hotel in Shirkouh area and the construction of a traditional restaurants with garden in the countryside of Deh-bala and Sunnij.