Background and Objective: In recent years, geotourism, as a branch of sustainable tourism, has attracted increasing attention, especially in rural areas with geomorphological diversity. This type of tourism can contribute to the economic and social development of local communities by enhancing scientific awareness, preserving geological resources, and strengthening local cultural identity. Despite its natural potential, geotourism in Iran has not yet been fully developed. Khalkhal County (specifically the Hashtjin region) in the south of Ardabil Province, due to its geomorphological attractions, has significant potential in this field. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of geotourism components in the economic development of three villages: Barandaq, Kazaj, and Namehil.
Methodology: This applied research was conducted using a mixed-method approach (quantitative–qualitative). Data were collected through library research, field observations, and geomorphological tools. The statistical population included 30 tourists and 15 experts, selected purposefully from the three villages of Barandaq, Kazaj, and Namehil. The main data collection tools were two structured questionnaires based on the models of Kubalikova and Feuillet. Spatial data were gathered using geological and topographic maps, GPS, and satellite images, and analyzed using ArcGIS, Excel, and SPSS software.
Results and Findings: According to the Kubalikova model, Kazaj village, with a score of 10.25, possesses the highest geotourism potential among the studied villages due to its outstanding scientific and educational features. Namehil ranked second with a score of 10.00, owing to its strong economic and cultural indicators, while Barandaq, with a score of 9.25, ranked third due to weaknesses in conservation indicators. The Feuillet model results also confirmed Kazaj’s superiority; this village received the highest scores in management rate (0.75) and tourism rate (0.62). Data comparison showed that Kazaj offers a favorable combination of geographic diversity, accessibility, relative conservation, and cultural values, while Namehil and Barandaq, despite their natural capacities, require improvement in terms of management and infrastructure. The simultaneous use of both analytical models provides a more accurate perspective on the geotourism status and economic development potential of these villages.
Conclusion: The study results showed that geotourism contributes to the economic development of rural areas only when accompanied by scientific management, sustainable conservation, and cultural utilization. The mere presence of geological attractions is not sufficient; management plays a decisive role. Kazaj was identified as the most successful model due to its integration of scientific, cultural, and infrastructural components. In contrast, Namehil and Barandaq have not fully utilized their potentials due to managerial shortcomings. The application of the Kubalikova and Fiolet models can serve as a foundation for targeted planning and conservation in rural geotourism.