Geospatial based multi-criteria analysis for ecotourism land suitability using GIS & AHP: a case study of Masirah Island, Oman

Oman is characterized by potential diverse landscapes that attract tourists from various countries and regions. In addition, several spatial environments such as plains, mountains, deserts, oases, safaris, islands, and attractive coasts are found across the country, providing prosperous tourism industry features. This research aims to spatially assess land suitability for ecotourism activities in Masirah Island, utilizing the Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) method. Thirteen criteria were identified to evaluate suitability of sites for ecotourism activities based on literature review, local knowledge, and field work. The findings revealed 37.39 km2 (5.96%) as highly suitable, 288.84 km2 (46%) as moderately suitable, and 294.46 km2 (47%) as minimally suitable for sustainable ecotourism development across the island. Governmental policymakers and planners can use the outputs of this study as a basis for evaluating the suitability of natural resources for ecotourism development.