The Role of Rural Tourism in Rural Sustainable Development According to the SWOT Method (Case Study: Kermanshah Province villages)

ABSTRACT: Currently, one of the important sections of tourism industry is rural tourism that plays role as the main motive force in the economic growth and development of villages that providing a leading opportunity, can result in the regional economic diversity and providing productive employment opportunities on the basis of the potentials existing in the village, can incur increases in welfare level, life standards, incomes, safety, stability, and the population maintenance in the village. Prevention of exorbitant migrations and the maintenance of natural resources, ecological balances, traditional patterns, and cultural features of villages are among the positive consequences of this sustainable green industry, on which accordance it can be said that one of the most appropriate ways of rescuing villages against social, economic, and environmental issues and problems and gaining social and geographic equity is the development of rural tourism. This study attempts to investigate the natural and cultural tourist appeals of Kermanshah province villages and discuss the effects of the rural tourism development on the sustainable development of this region therefore, by using survey and field study methods, analyses the weaknesses, strengths, opportunities, and threats according to the SWOT method and finally suggests strategies for the sustainable development of the region.