Review and analysis tourist attractions for the development of geotourism using the M-Gam model (case study of Madhim city)

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

1 Professor, Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Ph d student of Geomorphology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract
Background and Objective: Geotourism is a type of tourism that studies the natural environment, shapes and landforms because of their attractiveness. Today, tourism is rapidly becoming one of the main pillars of economic, social, cultural and political development. Given this role and position, the existence of tourism in a place can not only be effective in the development of that place but also affect the development process of some indicators in its surrounding environment. The purpose of this research is to investigate and evaluate the tourist attractions of Darmin County (the land of historical castles) and find solutions to attract tourists and develop geotourism in the region. For this purpose, 8 geosites and tourist attractions (Abgarm Village due to its hot spring and the tomb of Sultan Ebrahim Reza, Lakhdarideh, Dushangan Tree, Mulla Emad Sand Hill, Hindalan Mosque, Tabas Asbad, Forg Castle and Torsh-Ab) were investigated.
Methodology: The present study is applied and descriptive-survey type in which the data collection method was documentary and survey using questionnaires of tourists and residents of the region. Also, the M-GAM model was used to analyze the data using SPSS.26, ARC GIS and Excel software.
Results and findings: The results showed that Darman County, despite its abundant and pristine tourist attractions, lacks suitable facilities to attract tourists; however, Qale Forg has the highest score in most of the indicators studied. Tourism values have the highest score with 0.875 and scientific-educational values have the lowest score with 0.396.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 December 2025

  • Receive Date 03 October 2025
  • Revise Date 25 November 2025
  • Accept Date 27 December 2025
  • First Publish Date 28 December 2025
  • Publish Date 28 December 2025