Shahrood sport tourism planning using SWOT technique with emphasis on natural attractions

The purpose of this study was to re-identify the potential environmental and natural attractions that can affect the sport tourist attraction development from perspective of experts and pundits in Shahrud and determine the importance rate of each variable. This is a survey research analysis. At first, a list of environmental attractions and sport natural potential were prepared in the study area. Then, through using geographical information system (GIS) and land use map layers overlaying technique and also Transmittal, Shahrud city natural attractions were prepared for the first time. Information layers overlaying has been done by Arc GIS software edited version. In the following, through a questionnaire in the form of Likert, which its validity was approved by professors, and, its reliability was obtained (α = 0.95) by Cronbach alpha, were consulted. The statistical population of this research includes four different groups of tourism, environment and natural resources experts, university teachers, sport and exercise experts, managers and relative staffs of tourism travelling official tours. Statistical sample of (n=26) samples available of total population of (n=40) have been achieved. In this study, Factor analysis was used for analysis. Also, the results of internal and external factors collected in separate matrix implied that the total value of weakness and strengthen point was (M2.229); it indicates that the weakness points defeated the strengthen points; the total value of threats and opportunities was (M=2.253) which indicates that threats defeated the opportunities. Hence, the chosen strategies are defensive.