Strategic Management of Tourism Economy (A Study on Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari Province)

Optimal tourism management, particularly in less-prosperous areas, is of great importance in absorbing capital from this industry. Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari Province is one of the natural tourism areas in Iran. Despite having proper natural and environmental potentials to take advantage of tourism benefits, it has remained unknown and less prosperous; therefore, one of the approaches that can help to improve profitable managerial styles and attitudes. The present research is descriptive-analytical in terms of purpose, using David’s Comprehensive Strategic Management Model and SWOT technique to develop strategies and QSPM to prioritize selected strategies. The research data was compiled from 120 tourism experts, officials and managers of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari using Delphi technique. The results identified and determined mission, vision, qualitative and quantitative goals, and presented a strategy to develop tourism industry of the province. The results of evaluating the internal and external factors of tourism industry of the province indicated that the tourism industry of this province is weak and had no proper reaction to external factors. However, after identifying and prioritizing the strategies with QSPM matrix, it was specified that launching Internet sites for marketing tourist attractions in the province has the highest priority among selected strategies.