Tourism development strategic planning, efficient approach to achieve sustainable tourism (Case Study: Yazd)

Tourist attractions, resources and other initial activities are not enough only for tourism development; but the planning and management of this section have a special importance. Planning in this section itself is one the most complex types of programs and because of its different economic, social and cultural aspects which have a close relationship with political environment and factors. Therefore, sustainable tourism development requires knowledge and attention to all aspects of this extensive activity. It should be noted that the boom in tourism activity, without thoughtful and long-term planning, not only does not lead to the development of a comprehensive and sustainable regions and countries, but also causes the erosion of resources, activities and aspects of human life and tourism gradually, and converts tourism to a threat for region sustainable development. Among the important historical cities of Iran, Yazd, due to the relative position and also having natural, historical and cultural attractions and being introduced as the world’s second largest adobe city of the international organization UNESCO, which has been considered as a unique opportunity to develop tourism that so far there has been little used and systematic management can accept different tourists. Thus, this study intends to take advantage of multiple opportunities in various aspects of tourism through explaining strategic planning and sustainable development principles of tourism using the case study method. The results of this study show that examining of tourist attractions and available facilities,weaknesses, opportunities and threats and then planning to develop them and relying on the strategic planning providing an appropriate framework for the development of tourism in the city and development and continuous use of cultural-historical situation in Yazd, strengthened the city’s face as a tourist destination at national and international levels.