Assessing the Impact of Climate on Tourism Development in Afghanistan through the SWOT Method: A Case Study of Nuristan Province's Natural Forests.

Abstract

Tourism development is one of the most desirable options for community/society development as its potential economic remuneration, directly and indirectly, contributes toward the cultural, environmental, and economic improvement of society. Since leveraging the environmental capabilities of each region can be a catalyst for its development, especially considering climate as a fundamental factor in the development of regions, this study investigates the application of climate in tourism development in Afghanistan using the SWOT analysis method to assess opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses. The SWOT analysis quantitatively examined the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities of the natural forests of Nuristan Province. The statistical population of the research consisted of all tourists and visitors, as well as officials of relevant organizations and administrations. In this research, considering the large numbers of tourists and the lack of accurate statistics, 300 individuals’ tourists, and visitors were selected using accidental sampling methods. Additionally, due to the small population size, 25 targeted individuals were selected for the statistical population of officials. The results indicated that tourism development has always been associated with environmental damage, which can lead to resource depletion and conflicting interests among various stakeholders. Therefore, appropriate planning for sustainable tourism development should be implemented, including cost-effective methods to achieve this goal. Different countries have attempted to manage ecotourism sustainability by formulating goals, and strategies, and implementing policies considering their natural and cultural potentials. Developed countries emphasize compliance with national and international standards and increasing service quality, necessitating the formulation of a national document for transformation and development in this area.