Spatial Analysis of Inequality in Rural Tourism Suitability in Fars Province

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Vida Aliyari 1
Maryam Sharifzadeh 2
1 Ph.D. Student of agricultural Development, Department of Rural Development Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Rural Development Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran.
Abstract
Fars Province is endowed with remarkable tourism resources and possesses significant prospects for the rural tourism development. Nonetheless, the lack of a systematic and evidence-based spatial evaluation of this potential has led to uneven development and inefficient resource utilization. This research seeks to investigate the spatial disparities in rural tourism suitability throughout Fars Province by employing an integrated AHP–Fuzzy–GIS methodology, which facilitates the amalgamation of expert judgment (AHP), the management of uncertainty (fuzzy logic), and precise spatial analysis (GIS). Six primary criteria (tourism attractions, topography, accessibility and spatial location, land capability, climatic conditions, and service infrastructure) were assessed through 27 sub-criteria, which were weighted using pairwise comparisons. Spatial layers were standardized within a GIS framework and amalgamated through the Fuzzy Overlay algorithm. The resultant rural tourism suitability map was categorized into five classifications. The outcomes of the pairwise comparisons reveal that tourism attractions emerge as the most significant determinant, possessing a weight of 0.41, succeeded by accessibility and spatial location (0.22) and topography (0.16). Spatial analysis indicates that 58.76% of Fars Province’s territory (comprising the “suitable” and “very suitable” classifications) demonstrates moderate to high suitability for rural tourism development. Notably, 7.41% (approximately 9,066 km²) is designated as “very suitable,” while 22.16% (approximately 27,099 km²) is categorized as “suitable.” These high-potential regions are predominantly situated in the northwestern, central, and western sectors of the province, distinguished by abundant historical attractions, favorable topographical features, and comparatively improved accessibility. Conversely, over 41% of the province (primarily in the southern and southeastern areas) is categorized as “marginally suitable” or “not suitable,” lacking fundamental prerequisites for tourism development. These findings highlight the imperative to prioritize investment and development planning in “very suitable” and “suitable” regions. Furthermore, enhancing infrastructure and services in “moderately suitable” areas is crucial for optimizing their potential. Additionally, “very suitable” regions necessitate sustainable management and conservation of natural and cultural assets to alleviate the risks associated with unregulated tourism development.

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The Journal of Spatial Planning and Geomatics
Volume 29, Issue 3
Summer 2025
Pages 1-28