An Analysis of Potentials of Rural Tourism and Its Role in Rural Development (A Case of Lashar in Sistan and Baluchestan Province)

Rural tourism industry is one of the major sources of income, employment and developing rural infrastructure which is used to achieve sustainable rural development. Rural tourism in today's world is one of the most important part of economic activities and a policy for a balanced development of the environment logistics is considered to be optimal. Lashar because of its various tourist attractions and its long history as well as its monuments, natural attractions has become a great tourism center. In this descriptive study, using the SWOT model potentials, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were analyzed. The data used in this study were obtained from the Statistics Center of Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization and Tourism. Based on the results of the study, the researchers suggested strategies for tourism land use planning in the area understudy. The results of the study showed that in spite of the strenghs, Lashar is thretened by some weaknesses too. Therefore the environment logistics for this area is closer to offensive strategies (OS). Thus planning and investments should be directed towards the strenghs and available opportunities in the area.