The Evaluation of the Eco-tourism and Geo tourism in Maragheh, Iran: A SWOT Analysis

The major objective of this study is to investigate the geo-tourism and ecotourism capabilities and limitations of Maragheh and to develop the best strategy toward improving and enhancing tourism management in this region. For this purpose, SWOT strategy planning method was used based on identification of weaknesses and strengths points (internal factors) and opportunities and threats (external factors). Furthermore, Likert spectrum was used to rank the internal and external factors in order to come up with SO, WO, ST, WT strategies. The study suggests that the region has a high potential regarding tourist attraction. The internal factors of this study (point2.97) indicate that the strength points of the region are more than the weakness points. In addition, the matrix of the evaluation of the external factors (point2.90) shows that the opportunities of the region are more than its threats. It further argues that the macro tourism strategies of the region must be developed in such a way to make the best use of the local possible opportunities.