Identification of the spatial and temporal areas suitable for sports tourism in mountainous regions of Khuzestan province

Having a natural biological environment and a distinctive typical landescape, khozestan province is considered one of the suitable areas for the develipment of sport tourism. studing and identyifing the capabilities, potentials and limitations of tourism in khozestan province can help the sustainable tourism development in the region. The aim of this study was to explore the most suitable place and time for the development of sport tourism activities compassing the mountainous areas of khozestan province. In this study, multi-criteria spatial evaluation method and development of environmental, human and atmospheric criteria were applied for a group of sports activities including mountaineering, rock climbing, climbing range and mountain climbing. The criteria were weighted using hierarchical analysis method. After preparing the standard map, the information layers were combined with a weighted linear composition in the geographic information system environment and the final locations for the development of sports tourism in the mountains were extracted. The findings showed that the appropriate plateau are  for the sports mountain climbing 8794, mountaineering 8093, range-climbing 5433 and rock climbing 3283 square kilometer respectively. The largest plateau are located in the north, northeast and east of the province. Also, the appropriate time are winter, early spring and late fall temporarily. Therefore, it is recommended to the sports and tourism officials of the rovince to make optimal use of the natural and climatic capacities of the province in attracting tourists, by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these areas and strategic plans for developing the necessary infrastructure and providing them, design and implement their own recreational and sports services within specified space and time intervals.