Asessment of Optimal Tourism Development Strategy in Rural Areas by SWOT Model with Emphasis on Lyzangan Village

Rural tourism is a process in rural development that can provide the basis for rural economic and environmental development in terms of income growth, employment generation, and sustainable rural livelihoods. The aim of the present study was to investigate the optimal tourism development strategy in rural areas by SWOT model with emphasis on Lyzangan village.

This research was carried out in 2016 and using the SWOT model as well as using descriptive-analytical method and field survey and the IEA analysis method, the strategic assessment of the tourism development potentialities of this village was performed; appropriate strategies were suggested by weighting and prioritizing these factors.

Thirteen internal strengths and 10 internal weaknesses as well as 10 external opportunities and 8 external threats were examined. Totally, 23 strengths and opportunities were identified as advantages and 18 weaknesses and threats were recognized as limitations in the tourism of Layzangan.

The suitable climate in warm seasons and the quiet and noiseless environment of the region are considered the most important advantages of tourism development of the region, respectively. Lack of culture of accepting tourism among the host community and lack of informing and advertising for the village are the most important weaknesses in tourism development of the region, respectively. Introducing cultural attractions of the region such as handicrafts, traditions, etc. as well as the high potentialities of the region to expand ecotourism are the most important opportunities of the region. Damage to the environment and the residential context of the village as well as the elimination of the wildlife generation as a result of predation by hunters are considered the most important external threats in the region.