Document Type : Original Article
Subjects
1. Introduction
The tourism industry, especially in areas with unique geological and natural features, is recognized as an important economic sector in many countries. One of the distinct branches of this industry is geotourism, which focuses on attracting tourists to areas with notable geological phenomena. Geotourism is a compound term derived from "Geo," meaning Earth, and "tourism," referring to travel for pleasure or education. It represents a branch of tourism that is based on geological features, geomorphology, and natural landscapes. In other words, geotourism encompasses all aspects of tourism centered around geographical landscapes, geomorphic forms and processes, and geological phenomena. Beyond simply visiting these attractions, it also incorporates elements of education, conservation, and public awareness. The goal of geotourism is not only to promote scientific and sustainable tourism but also to strengthen the human connection with the Earth and enhance public understanding of natural processes. Geotourism not only emphasizes educational and scientific aspects but also plays a significant role in cultural and economic development, fostering sustainable growth in different regions. Tabas County, located in South Khorasan Province, Iran, is recognized as one of the regions with remarkable geomorphological diversity and unique geological phenomena such as active faults, karst formations, deserts, and volcanic structures. Given its unique natural features, including active geological processes, Tabas is an ideal location for developing geotourism in Iran. This research aims to assess the geotourism potential of Tabas County and analyze the scientific, educational, and touristic capacities of this region using two well-established quantitative models.
2. Materials and Methods
This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach. Initially, various geosites in Tabas County were identified and listed. To assess these geosites, two quantitative models, Brehila and GAM, were applied. The Brehila model specifically evaluates geosites based on four primary criteria: scientific value, educational potential, touristic potential, and risk of degradation. This model helps prioritize geosites based on their strengths and weaknesses and is useful for determining which sites should be targeted for tourism development. The GAM model, on the other hand, evaluates the primary and complementary values of geosites, including scientific, educational, and touristic aspects. Data collection was performed through field studies, interviews with experts, and the use of GIS software like ArcGIS and Excel for data analysis.
3. Results and discussion
The results of this study showed that geosites such as the Nayband Fault, Shotori Mountains, and Halvan Desert have the highest scientific and touristic potential. Specifically, the Nayband Fault, being one of the oldest and most active faults in Iran, offers unique opportunities for geological research. The Shotori Mountains, with their distinctive tectonic and natural features, also have significant appeal for both tourists and geological researchers. In the educational-touristic evaluation, geosites such as Kal Sadr Gorge, Morteza Ali Hot Springs, and Nayband Wildlife Refuge scored the highest. These geosites were ranked high due to their accessibility, existing infrastructure, and educational value for tourists. Additionally, in terms of risk of degradation, sites like Halvan Desert, Pir Hajjat Dolines, and Kal Jeni are at high risk due to human activities such as resource extraction and climate change. The comparison of results from the Brehila and GAM models showed differences in the prioritization of geosites. In the Brehila model, Kal Sadr, Nayband Fault, and Pir Hajjat Dolines scored the highest in terms of scientific and touristic value. In contrast, the GAM model prioritized Nayband Fault, Porvarde Desert, and Pir Hajjat Dolines for tourism development. These differences highlight the importance of using multiple models to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of geosite values.
4. Conclusion
This research indicates that Tabas County, with its high geotourism potential, can serve as an important destination for both scientific and educational tourism. The region's diverse geosites and natural features, such as active faults, deserts, volcanic structures, and karst formations, provide valuable opportunities for researchers, tourists, and nature enthusiasts. However, for the sustainable utilization of these resources, effective management policies and protective measures are essential to prevent the degradation of geosites. Attention should be paid to the preservation of these geosites, and protective actions must be taken to mitigate the negative impacts of human activities and climate change. By implementing effective management strategies, it is possible to ensure that these valuable natural resources remain accessible for future generations while promoting sustainable tourism.
5. Acknowledgement & Funding
This article is derived from the Master's thesis of Ms. Fahimeh Asadollahi and was carried out with the support of Hakim Sabzevari University.
6. Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
