Strategic Planning and Sociology in Improving the Quality of Life and Sustainable Development of Cities in Arid Regions Climates with Emphasis on MICE Tourism using Meta-SWOT and SOAR Techniques

Abstract

Purpose: This study was carried out with the aim of strategic tourism planning in Semnan with emphasis on MICE tourism using Meta SWOT and SOAR techniques. Methodology: The descriptive-analytical method is used in order to conduct this research. The statistical population of the study is divided into three parts. The first part were local residents of Semnan, the second part includes tourists who have considered Semnan as a tourist destination from 2019 to 2020, and third part includes academic elites, managers, staff of tourism part working in different management levels of province. Three-hundred seventy people (three parts) were determined as the statistical sample size using Cochran formula. The method of data collection and analysis of required information is documentary and survey. Meta SWOT and SOAR analytical techniques have been used to formulate the development strategy and explain the goals, resources, capabilities and macro-environmental factors. Findings: According to the obtained results, the most important factors in line with strategic tourism planning in Semnan are government policies, non-responsiveness of infrastructure, increased natural dangers and inflation and economic recession at the macro level. Conclusion: Meta SWOT model is implemented in a program consisting of title window and seven interconnected windows. This tool enables unlimited reviews of inputs, because decision makers change their assessment during a planning activity.