Sustainable Development of Ecotourism in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari Province, Iran, a Scenario Study

Abstract

Due to people's searching for a unique new destination to pass their holidays and release for a while, the province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari in Iran is one of the top touristic destinations in which a combination of huge natural beauty and rich history due to the nomadic lifestyle has made this province as a potential region for eco-tourism development. In this study based on the current situation of the area, four scenarios' development has been provided for the future development of eco-tourism market in this region. These scenarios have been provided based on 22 in-depth interviews with main stakeholders of ecotourism market of the region. International resort, nomadic resort, eco-cultural resort and exclusive resort are four different future scenarios for the region as a result of the research. Each has separate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Consequently, it has been discussed that a combination of all four scenarios and using the best future action plans of all the scenarios will be a suitable plan for the eco-tourism sustainable development of this province in future.