Economical Valuation of Karoon 3 Dam Lake Limits for Presentation Ecotourism Development Strategic Planning via A‘WOT Method

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Abstract

A study with Travel Cost Method (TCM) was performed to evaluate ecotourism demand of lake belonging to Karoon 3 dam. For this purpose, 220 Clawson questionnaires at highest demand time (February to May 2008) were completed. Results of this investigation showed that forecasting outdoor recreational value of Karoon 3 dam limits is equal to 2,879,550,000 Rials at month, during study. In order to present ecotourism development quantitative strategic plan in Karoon 3 dam “A'WOT” combined strategic planning method was used. Summation of weighted scores calculated for internal factor evaluation matrix was equal to 2/54 and for external factor evaluation matrix was 2/27. Results of quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) showed that, creation of the new job opportunities on the basis of natural potentials and rich culture of residents in order to support of handicrafts, preservation of cultural identification and the prevention of immigration (ST4) with 4/19 score are in the first position of priority, recommended for ecotourism development in this area.

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