Extended Abstract
Introduction

Nature-based tourism plays an important role in protecting the environment, increasing environmental awareness, and improving the economy of local communities. This type of tourism, by emphasizing the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, provides an opportunity for sustainable development. Nature-based tourism not only preserves natural and cultural resources, but can also have a positive impact on job creation, increasing the income of local communities, and promoting environmental awareness. Ecotourism, in line with ecological principles and laws, involves visiting natural areas for the purpose of learning, studying, or carrying out environmentally friendly activities. The development of nature-based tourism requires careful planning and understanding of regional capacities to prevent potential damage to the environment and local communities. Tourism development refers to the process of its growth and expansion in an area that can improve the economy and lives of local people. The issue of sustainability also becomes more important when prioritizing among the various susceptible areas and revisiting less susceptible or vulnerable areas in later priorities. Khomeini Shahr County, due to its geographical location, natural landscapes, biodiversity, cultural-historical attractions, rich local culture, and proximity to Isfahan city, has high potential for the development of nature-based tourism. This county, whose tourism capabilities have been hidden under the shadow of urbanization due to the growth of technology and industry, needs to re-identify its neglected nature-based tourism phenomena. Therefore, the present study, taking into account these principles, has identified suitable areas for the development of nature-based tourism with a systemic perspective and a comprehensive approach. The results of this study can be used in formulating tourism development programs for the county, protecting the environment, and improving the economic situation of the region.

Material and Methods

Khomeini Shahr County, with an area of 184 square kilometers, is located in central part of Isfahan Province, bordered by Shahin Shahr and Meymeh County to north, Falavarjan County to south, Isfahan County to east, and Najafabad County to west. This county is located at a geographical location of 51 degrees and 24 minutes to 51 degrees and 36 minutes east longitude and 32 degrees and 35 minutes to 32 degrees and 47 minutes north latitude.

present study is based on spatial analysis of spatial data using geographic technologies, which is based on purpose of "applied", based on nature of data "quantitative", based on research method "analytical and statistical", based on time of implementation "cross-sectional", and based on method of data collection "field and spatial". To conduct research, first, based on comparative studies and theoretical research literature, criteria and sub-criteria affecting zoning of areas prone to nature tourism were determined and categorized into main groups. Data collection was carried out in a spatial-spatial and analytical manner through basic data such as base maps, digital elevation models, Google Earth satellite images, and data archives of relevant institutions. digital layers of above-mentioned criteria were carried out through densitometry and distance measurement functions. Data analysis was carried out based on analytical principles and spatial-spatial analysis functions in ArcGIS and Google Earth software environments.

Results and Discussion

Results of distance measurement from Qamishloo protected area showed northern and northwestern parts of county have shortest distance and southern and southeastern areas have maximum distance of up to 19,510 meters. Results of distance from communication roads of Khomein Shahr showed longest distance from road network is up to 5,470 meters, which is observed in northern and northwestern parts of region. Results of roads density showed that highest density of communication network, 0.6854 kilometers per hectare, is observed in central areas and parts of northern and southern areas. Results of distance measurement from population centers showed longest distance to residential centers, 5,320 meters, is observed in north, northwest, and parts of county center. Results of residential centers density showed highest density of 0.02281 settlements per hectare was located in central and southern parts, and with increasing distance in northwestern areas, natural phenomena prevailed. Results of altitude factor assessment showed highest altitude above sea level, 2495 meters, was located in northern parts of the region. Also, central and southern parts of Khomeini Shahr, with a minimum altitude of 1572 meters above sea level, are suitable places for ecotourism development in Khomeini Shahr in terms of altitude factor. Slope class map showed northern parts of County had highest slope of 66.79 degrees. Also, central and southern parts of County had a minimum slope of less than 239.5 degrees, which makes these areas susceptible to ecotourism development.

Conclusion

In this study, by identifying and weighting key factors affecting development of ecotourism based on principles of spatial analysis, Khomeini Shahr County was divided into zones suitable for ecotourism from very unsuitable to very suitable. These zones allow identification of areas with highest potential for investment and development of sustainable ecotourism infrastructure and help decision-makers and planners to adopt a targeted approach to developing tourism in areas with unique natural capabilities. very suitable zone covers 13.11% (equivalent to 2291 hectares) of county area, mainly in north and northwest of Khomeini Shahr City. suitable zone constitutes 23% (equivalent to 4016 hectares) of county area around very suitable zone. Most of county area is in medium category in terms of ecotourism. This zone covers 30.82% (equivalent to 5385 hectares) of county area, almost in most areas except south and border areas of county. unsuitable zone covers 23.67% (equivalent to 4137 hectares) of county area, mainly on edge of border strip. highly unsuitable zone covers 9.42% (equivalent to 1646 hectares) of county area, especially in south and southeast. results of this research provide a suitable basis for informed and strategic decisions in field of responsible nature tourism activities and sustainable investments. Using these results, decision-makers and planners will be able to identify areas with high potential for ecotourism development and develop appropriate and sustainable development plans, taking into account ecological capacities and socio-economic indicators of each region. This data-based approach will ensure long-term success of investments and optimize positive impacts of tourism on local communities and environmental protection.