Background and Objective: Geotourism is a scientific trend in common connection with the fields of earth sciences and tourism, which aims to identify geosites or special geomorphological places. The aim of this research is to evaluate the geotourism potentials of the tourism target cities of Alborz province based on the Hadzik and Kobalikwa model.
Methodology: The methodology in this study is the use of quantitative models of Hadzik and Kobalikova. In the dynamic model, the term heritage is composed of several elements including cultural, historical, social, aesthetic, archaeological, educational, scientific, entertainment, physiological and artistic (landscapes have been a source of inspiration for painters, sculptors and writers). The value and importance of each geotourism site in this method is estimated by the scientific value indices and the surplus values of that geotourism site. The Kobalikova model emphasizes more on scientific, educational, economic, conservation and cultural criteria.
Findings and results: Based on the results of the Hadzik model, it was shown that among the studied regions, Taleghan County with a score of (82.65) has a greater ability to attract tourists than other regions. Karaj County with a score of (44.79) and Savjbolagh County with a score of (25.15) are in second and third place. Based on the results of the Kobalikwa model, the Taleghan region obtained the highest score with the highest value in all indicators and a total score of (9.03), and accordingly, the Taleghan region has the highest geotourism potential.
Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that Taleghan geotourism areas have a good potential for attracting tourism compared to other geotourism areas. Finally, it is suggested that in future studies, more natural and human factors should be used to evaluate geotourism potentials.
Keywords: Geotourist, Tourism Target, Alborz, Hadzik, Kobalikva.