Background and Objective: The present study aimed to test the level of sustainability of economic tourism in these three cities based on the quantitative models of Zoros, Kobalikwa, and Feuillet.
Methodology: The research method is a combination of quantitative and descriptive-analytical methods and the required data are collected through official statistical sources, field questionnaires and secondary data. In the Kobalikova method, the criteria are placed in five groups. It covers almost all the features of geotourism. The value of each criterion in this model varies between zero and one (0-1). In the Violet method, geomorphosites and landforms were selected for study and evaluation based on four criteria: origin of formation, geographical distribution, tourism, and general accessibility status of this national park. The overall evaluation of geotourism and geomorphosites in this method is based on two main rates. In the Zoros method, scientific criteria of potential threats and usability are used to evaluate geosites, and each of the criteria used also has sub-criteria.
Findings and results: Based on the results obtained from the Kobalikwa model, Sarein County has obtained the highest score compared to other geotourism areas with a value of (74.6). The evaluation of the Zoros model also showed that among the geosites of Ardabil province (the studied areas), the Sarein geosite has the highest score with 74 points, and after this geosite, the Khalkhal and Germi geosites have obtained 68 and 58 points, respectively. Also, in the method of evaluating national parks, where the value of geotourism is evaluated in two parts: management rate and tourism rate, Sarein County, with a total score of (14.7), has diverse capabilities compared to other geotourism areas.
Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that Sarein County is in a relatively stable state in all three models due to its high concentration of tourism infrastructure, economic investment, and economic efficiency. Khalkhal County, despite its natural and ecotourism capacities, is ranked second due to its weakness in economic infrastructure. Despite its regional potential, Germi County has the lowest level of economic sustainability of tourism in terms of the three indicators. Finally, it is suggested that future studies should use various models and online questionnaires to evaluate the capabilities and capacities of economic tourism.
Keywords: : Economic tourism, sustainability, quantitative models, Ardabil province