The Position of Desert Ecotourism in Development of Rural Settlement (Case Study: Tourism Residence Matinabad- Badrood)

Deserts have a significant role in tourism and attract foreign tourists. Deserts could meet much of the spiritual and recreational needs of tourists. Desert and wilderness area as a large part of Iran potentially is an important feature in the terms of desert ecotourism development. In this regard، MatinAbad of Badrud prosperous tourist resort (in Isfahan province) as the first natural desert camp in Iran based on sustainable tourism and the principles of sustainable ecotourism is formed. In this study that has been done at a descriptive - analytical research method and uses the library procedure and the field technique، In addition to identifying and introducing this ecotourism center، not only pattern the participation model of local communities but also questioning from residing villagers in the village of Matin-Abad as the host community، people''s attitudes towards tourism development and its various impacts on village development has been assessed and evaluated. The Statistical Society consisted of 550 persons who are residents of the village، and among them 50 people have been selected as the sample size. Research results indicate that most residents have a positive attitude towards the development of desert tourism; Besides، Development of desert tourism can be ground for rural development in this area.