Scenario-based capability evaluation of ecotourism development – an integrated approach based on WLC, and FUZZY – OWA methods

ABSTRACT

Identifying the ecotourism development capacities is one of the most important priorities in any country. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the assessment based on sustainable development. This study assesses the ecotourism capability using scenario design and FUZZY-OWA algorithm. Therefore, 14 criteria were determined and integrated according to OWA model and fuzzy quantifiers. The results showed that the OWA method consistent with the many fuzzy quantifiers (Fifth scenario) had the highest accuracy (84.50%). Based on the findings, OWA has a high potential for modeling complex decision problems because of a new concept in this method called order weights.

KEYWORDS:

• Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)
• geographic Information system (GIS)
• Weighted Linear combination (WLC)
• Ordered Weighted Average (OWA)
• fuzzy logic
• scenario
• strategic planning
• land capability
• Gorgan province
• Iran

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).