The Investigation of the Role Tourism in Urban Development of Kermanshah

Today, tourism has an important place in economy of countries and active and efficient role in developing the economic and social structure of countries, especially in developing countries.. In Iran, although the historical-cultural backgrounds and natural attractions are available in the cities to attract tourists, but in the spatial-physical plans no attention is paid to the tourism and its different effects on the urban development. Kermanshah is the largest city in the province and western area. Although this city has an urbanism background and natural, historical, cultural, religious attractions which can contribute to the economic improvement of the city, in the national reports of Islamic republic of Iran, this city was called a bereaved area in terms of human development index. Utilization of this situation needs a comprehensive planning in order to recognize weak and strong points, opportunities and threats and optimal strategies for the city development should be provided. To expand centers of tourism in the city in order to develope the city should be considered. This is an applied research with descriptive-analytical nature. In addition to library studies, metrical method was used. For analyzing data, SWOT model was used and it showed that Kermanshah tourism has 11 strong points, 11 weak points, 11 opportunities and 10 threats. It showed that Kermanshah tourism is in the growth and recognition step. Using incursive strategy has priority. Finally we suggested some strategies for development via tourism in Kermanshah. Using matrix QSPM the best strategies in form of the first, second and third were provided. Then some suggestions were made.