چالش ها و فرصت هاي توسعه اكوتوريسم در ايران

Challenges and opportunities of ecotourism development in Iran

Date received: 19 April 2009 Date accepted: 16 June 2009 Abstract The geographical situation and the diversity of natural phenomena put Iran in the fifth position in having abundant natural attractions. There are some problems and challenges in Iran in attracting ecotourists from other countries. On this basis, the present study aims at the recognition of the obstacles that influence the attraction of natural tourists and proposing the appropriate methods for developing ecotourism in the country. The research type is "qualitative" and its method is "descriptive-analytical" using library and documental references. Findings of the study show many challenges in ecotourism industry in Iran, in a way that each year from the sheer of national product of each family around $90.000 is paid to the global market to promote the tourism and ecotourism, whereas a little portion is devoted to Iran from this market.