<p>Geomorphotourism, as a subset of sustainable tourism, emphasizes the scientific, educational, cultural, and economic values of geomorphological heritage. This study aimed to evaluate the geomorphotourism potential of desert areas in Yazd Province, Iran, using a combination of quantitative parametric and scientific quality assessment methods. Initially, 46 geosites were identified based on their geomorphological features, including deserts, sand dunes, caves, springs, relict glacial basins (remnants of past cold periods), and rocky hills. Using the quantitative parametric method, each site was scored according to intrinsic quality, use potential, potential threats, and conservation needs, with weights derived from expert evaluations. Concurrently, the scientific quality method assessed the geosites based on six criteria: scientific value, educational value, rarity, conservation status, visibility, and added value. The results showed that desert geosites, particularly erg of Halvan, Siahkouh Desert, erg of Zarrin, and erg of Siah Taq, achieved the highest scores, highlighting their significant geomorphotourism potential. Other landforms, including caves and glacial basins, also demonstrated notable scientific and educational value. By integrating the results of both assessment methods, final rankings were established, providing a comprehensive overview of the geosites’ tourism potential. These findings offer critical insights for sustainable tourism development, conservation planning, and educational use of geomorphosites in Yazd Province. Implementing targeted management strategies for the most valuable sites can enhance regional tourism while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of desert landscapes. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining parametric and scientific quality approaches for a robust assessment of geomorphotourism potential.</p>

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Assessment of Geomorphotourism Potential in Desert Areas Using Quantitative Parametric and Scientific Quality Methods: A Case Study of Yazd Province, Iran

  • Neda Karimi,
  • Manijeh Ghahroudi Tali,
  • Hasan Sadough

摘要

Geomorphotourism, as a subset of sustainable tourism, emphasizes the scientific, educational, cultural, and economic values of geomorphological heritage. This study aimed to evaluate the geomorphotourism potential of desert areas in Yazd Province, Iran, using a combination of quantitative parametric and scientific quality assessment methods. Initially, 46 geosites were identified based on their geomorphological features, including deserts, sand dunes, caves, springs, relict glacial basins (remnants of past cold periods), and rocky hills. Using the quantitative parametric method, each site was scored according to intrinsic quality, use potential, potential threats, and conservation needs, with weights derived from expert evaluations. Concurrently, the scientific quality method assessed the geosites based on six criteria: scientific value, educational value, rarity, conservation status, visibility, and added value. The results showed that desert geosites, particularly erg of Halvan, Siahkouh Desert, erg of Zarrin, and erg of Siah Taq, achieved the highest scores, highlighting their significant geomorphotourism potential. Other landforms, including caves and glacial basins, also demonstrated notable scientific and educational value. By integrating the results of both assessment methods, final rankings were established, providing a comprehensive overview of the geosites’ tourism potential. These findings offer critical insights for sustainable tourism development, conservation planning, and educational use of geomorphosites in Yazd Province. Implementing targeted management strategies for the most valuable sites can enhance regional tourism while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of desert landscapes. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining parametric and scientific quality approaches for a robust assessment of geomorphotourism potential.