Environmental and strategic assessment of ecotourism potential in Anzali Wetland using SWOT analysis

Authors

1 0

2 1,*, K. Shayesteh2, A. Ghasemi3, H. Mohammadi4

Abstract

SWOT analysis is used extensively as an assessment and planning method, particularly in tourism planning. However, there are little documentations on application of SWOT analysis in ecotourism. An assessment on systematic use of SWOT analysis was carried out in the present study to highlight the applicability of the SWOT technique in detailed investigations. In this study, based on field surveys and questionnaires (on Anzali Wetland and the local population), matrix of internal and external factors (threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strength) influencing tourism development in Anzali Wetland were evaluated within the framework of SWOT analysis and SO, WO, ST and WT strategies were identified. Based on the obtained results, the total score of 3.22 in IFE matrix suggests good condition of the system and high internal strength of the tourism development related to internal factors and the final score of 2.93 in the EFE matrix represents poor condition related to the external factors which means external factors have not been utilized properly; Thus appropriate planning and organizational management practices are required to deal with these factors. The study further proposes solutions, operational priorities and strategic planning according to environmental and local conditions of Anzali Wetland. Since the tourism industry in Iran is still in its early stages, particularly in Anzali Wetland region, the findings could help decision makers to estimate better the weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities, and to develop tourism industry in the region.

Keywords


Akca, H. (2006) Assessment of Rural tourism in Turkey using SWOT Analysis. Journal of Applied sciences 6(13): 2837-2839. Azimi, N. and Hajipour, A.H. (2008) Planning the Cultural Tourism and Ecotourism Industry for Economic Development: A Case Study of Iran. Environmental science 6(1): 53-64. Cochran, W. G. (1977). Sampling techniques (3rded.). New York: John Wiley & Sons. David, F. R. (2007). Strategic management concepts and cases (11th Ed.). New York: Prentice Hall. Evans, M.I. (1994). Important Bird Areas in the Middle East, Birdlife International Cambridge, UK.Ferrer, J., Prats, C., Lopez, D., Vives-Rego, J. (2009) Mathematical modeling methodologies in predictive food microbiology: A SWOT analysis. International Journal of Food Microbiology134: 2–8 Geneletti, D., Bagli, S., Napolitano, P., Pistocchi, A., (2007). Spatial decision support for strategic environmental assessment of land use plans. A case study in southern Italy, Environmental Impact Assessment Review 27: 408–423.Ghazinoory, S., Divsalar, A., Soofi, A.S. (2009) A new definition and framework for the development of a national technology strategy: The case of nanotechnology for Iran. Technological Forecasting & Social Change 76: 835–848. IUCN (World Conservation Union) (1997) Chapter 4.22 Ecotourism.” In Beyond Fences: Seeking Social Sustainability in Conservation. Gland: IUCN. (Retrieved from http://nature.org/aboutus/travel/ecotourism/). Jing, Y., Fucai, H., (2010). Research on Management of Ecotourism Based on Economic Models. Energy Procedia 5: 1563–1567. Kajanus, M., Kangas, J., Kurttila, M., (2004) The use of value focused thinking and the SWOT hybrid method in tourismmanagement. Tourism Management 25: 499–506.Kandakoglu, A., Celik, M., Akgun, I., (2009). A multi-methodological approach for shipping registry selection in maritime transportation industry. Mathematical and Computer Modeling 49: 586-597. Kangas J, Kurttila M, Kajanus M, Kangas A. (2003) evaluating the management strategies of a forestland estate -the S-O-Approach. Journal of Environmental Management; 69:349–58. Kara, B., Denis, B., Kilicaslan, C., Polat, Z., (2011). Evaluation of Koçarlı Adnan Menderes urban forest in terms of the ecotourism. Procardia Social and Behavioral Sciences 19: 145–149. Khoshechin, M. (1993), monthly bio status of plant and birds of Guilan province wetlands, DOE (Department of Environment), Iran. Liu, T.T., Conkey, B.G. Mc. Ma, Z.Y. and et al., (2011). Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Analysis of Bioenergy Production on Marginal Land. Energy Procardia 5: 2378–2386.Mansori, J. (1993) survey of population of Anzali Wetland birds. DOE (department of environment). Iran. Nikolaou, I.E and Evangelinos K.I., (2010). A SWOT analysis of environmental management practices in Greek Mining and Mineral Industry. Resources Policy35: 226–234.Paliwal, R., (2006). EIA practice in India and its evaluation using SWOT analysis. Environmental Impact Assessment Review26: 492–510. Ramsar convention Bureau. (1975). Information sheet on Ramsar Wetlands, Ramsar, Iran.Sariisik, M., Turkay, Oguz., Akovac, Orhan., (2011). How to manage yacht tourism in Turkey: A SWOT analysis and related strategies. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences 24: 1014–1025.Weihrich, H. (1982). The TOWS matrix: Tool for situational analysis. Long Range Planning, 15(2): 54–66. Zubakov, V.A.(1993). The Caspian Sea Level oscillations in the geological past and its forecast. Russian Meteorology and Hydrology (8): 65-70.