Management and planning of tourism development in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province with emphasis on sports tourism and ecotourism (case study of Saman region)

Thesis for Master of Geography and Tourism Planning (M.A)

Abstract:

The increasing world population, especially in developing countries, economic poverty and the low level of national income of these countries have caused the population of these countries to be under pressure and economic hardship. These countries, despite having suitable natural resources and having potential sources of income, Accepting poverty and deprivation and the low level of knowledge and lack of awareness of how to exploit the existing potentials have also become the cause and are beaten like a whip on the lifeless bodies of these countries. One of the sources that can generate significant incomes in the present era and by raising the national GDP, ultimately increase the national income in the international arena is the tourism industry, especially ecotourism. In fact, ecotourism or tourism in nature is one of the most important types of tourism that is most compatible with development. Currently, most of the countries in the world are in a tight and close competition seeking to take advantage of their country's capabilities so that they can allocate a larger share of the income from the tourism industry and create jobs in the simplest possible way. Although the natural resources of this province can be considered as one of the valuable attractions to attract domestic and foreign tourists, but the planning to use these conditions is still in the beginning and the important and fundamental work for the exploitation of natural attractions has not been done. - To identify the activities that can be done to transform the Saman region into a tourism center. And does Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province have the ability to develop tourism?

The research method in this thesis will be done in two parts, library and field, in such a way that in the library part, using documents, statistics and information and experiences of the developed countries of the world, the topic under study will be examined. In the field part, while visiting the tourism resources of Saman region and getting the opinion of the local community and experts, SWOT table will be prepared.

Key words: ecotourism, sports tourism, planning, tourism industry, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Saman region

Introduction:

Mankind has been moving and traveling since the beginning of creation. Obtaining food, water, security or finding new resources were the primary motivations for mobility and travel. But after the basic human needs were met, the idea of ??traveling for fun and discovering new places began. The initial travel to find new things depended on the provision of facilities and technology, the provision of supplies or the method of travel. Early travelers traveled on foot or riding domesticated animals. The construction of boats and ships made sea voyages possible, and the invention of the wheel made possible new ways of traveling on land. Every advancement and evolution in human knowledge and technology increased new opportunities for human travel. At the time when civilization was formed, roads were improved and governments were established and strengthened, the desire to travel to discover new places, explore to find resources and better life facilities, acquire knowledge, visit and religious destinations increased. And they provide food, shops and markets, commercial places and other facilities and provide other hospitality services for people or groups who are far away from home or place of residence. And for this reason, it has become an important field of study among researchers. From an economic point of view, international tourism generates the most income, foreign exchange receipts from international tourism are more than oil products, cars and communication equipment.. Tourism has played an important role in encouraging infrastructure investment, generating income for the government and creating direct and indirect jobs all over the world. One of the pillars of the development of world tourism is the demand for it, which also has a complex structure; Because the decrease or increase of a country's share of global tourism income depends on factors and variables that can be different according to the type of country, administrative and executive issues and the level of available statistics and information. Iran, due to its many advantages in terms of climate diversity, natural attractions, history and ancient civilization, ancient and religious monuments, architecture, handicrafts, culture and geography. It has many capabilities to become a global tourism hub; Therefore, Iran's share of the world's tourism industry earnings is very small.

Nowadays, the development of tourism in all fields, both at the national and regional level and at the international level, has received the attention of government planners and private companies. Many countries have increasingly realized the fact that in order to improve their economic situation, they must take initiative and find new ways. (Latfi, 1384: 7) Societies' awareness that tourism provides a very suitable and considerable source of foreign currency income to a country has caused tourism to find a very broad concept in various economic, social and cultural dimensions and be considered as an industry. Pashaw Majidi, Roufia, 1384: 13) Many countries consider this dynamic industry as the main source of income, employment, private sector growth and infrastructure development. Although the conditions are different in different regions, tourism is always considered an important factor for economic development. (Ebrahimi and Khosrovian, 1384: 6) The development of the tourism industry is of great importance, especially for developing countries that are facing the problems of high unemployment, limited foreign exchange resources and single product economy. Iran's economy also relies heavily on the income from oil exports, and its macroeconomic variables undergo severe fluctuations over time following the global oil price. The trend governing variables such as gross national product, gross investment, per capita income, etc. in the last three decades of Iran's economy clearly shows this issue. Therefore, in order to diversify economic growth and foreign exchange earnings, as well as create new job opportunities in the country, the development of the tourism industry is of great importance, because Iran is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of tourism attractions and has a great potential for world tourism and international tourism. Kermani and Amirian, 1379: 17) Therefore, the fields of tourism development should be provided as a strategy from economic, political and legal aspects.

Chapter One: Generalities of the research

-1- Statement of the problem:

Tourism in different lands is always a part of the needs of human life and one of the prosperous ways of spending leisure time. The rapid movement towards the 21st century has rejected the traditional methods of economic development and relying on limited incomes of a part of fossil capital, and it requires the need to create new movements and achieve efficient mechanisms to make more use of the existing natural conditions, especially in countries that have a rich culture of ancient history and many ancient artifacts. The world tourism industry is considered as the largest and most diverse industry in the world, and it is certain that "world tourism" will expand in the coming decades at a faster rate than in the past and today. Many countries consider this dynamic industry as the main source of income, employment, private sector growth and infrastructure development. (Mahlati, 1380: 1) Among the development strategies of the forgotten areas is the definition of specific uses that can strengthen their spatial identity and provide the conditions for their sustainable development. Iran, with its vast and unique nature, diverse climate, various geological features and geological diversity, can be distinguished from geological phenomena (geotope) throughout the country such as caves, gorges, valleys, fossil areas, valleys. Sediments, large geological gaps, volcanic eruptions, karstic lands, types of minerals, sand pyramids, rock-stone beaches, ancient mines, etc. as geological heritage in the form of many potential geosites, after the provision of tourism infrastructure as a tool for the development of geotourism and establishment Geoparks should be used.