GIS-Fuzzy DEMATEL MCDA model for the evaluation of the sites for ecotourism development: A case study of “Dunavski ključ” region, Serbia

In order to reduce adverse effects on the environment caused by conventional (mass) Tourism, the importance of ecotourism is becoming increasingly highlighted as this form of tourism contributes to the environmental protection and sustainable development of an area. The main objective of this study is the development of a reliable model for the identification of zone suitability for sustainable development of ecotourism, which will represent a significant support for planners in strategy development and management of ecotourism. The proposed model is based on the combined application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) using Fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (FDEMATEL) method in order to estimate and map the suitability classes of ecotourism potentials in the study area of “Dunavski kljuc” region (Serbia). The model has been developed by using 16 criteria grouped in 4 clusters. The application FDEMATEL method has been used for expert calculation of the weight for all clusters/criteria in relation to their impact on the development of ecotourism. The final suitability map of ecotourism development has been obtained by applying Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) and it has been designed in 4 suitability classes as: Highly Suitable (S1), Moderately Suitable (S2), Marginally Suitable (S3), and Not Suitable (N). The applied sensitivity analysis, by changing the weight of clusters, indicates that the applied model is stable and capable of being applied for zoning ecotourism sites. The proposed method and the results of this study can be used as a policy of sustainable development at all levels of public administration. This approach may also be useful when identifying ecotourism sites and types of ecotourism uses in the areas with similar geographical conditions.