Identification and evaluation of Pre-geosites of Zanjan province and its impact on sustainable tourism development

Abstract

In the present study geotourism potentials of Zanjan province have been evaluated with emphasis on sustainable tourism development. The general trend of the present study is first to identify the pre-geosites of the study area, then to evaluate the geosites of the study area using Zouros and Kubalikova methods. After evaluating the pre-geosites, the impact of these pre-geosites on the development of sustainable tourism in the region has been investigated. For this purpose, 200 questionnaires have been used. The results of the evaluations indicate that Katale Khor Cave and Aladaghlar colored mountains have the highest value in both methods. After evaluating the pre-geosites, the impact of them on the economic, social and environmental status of the region is discussed. Among the effects mentioned earlier, improving the quality and quantity of handicrafts, increasing social interaction and improving the status of passages were the highest

Keywords

• geotourism
• zanjan province
• sustainable development