Abstract

Sustainable tourism is tourism development that avoids damage to the environment, economy and cultures of the locations where it takes place. The overlapping subjects of the tourism industry and the environmental approach in planning and design have focused attention on the idea of sustainable tourism. The conservation of natural environments as well as consideration for tourism needs and requirements are issues of great importance in the world today, especially in oasis areas where both potentials for conservation and development of tourism should be considered. This paper will contribute to that perspective and debate by examining oasis settlements in Iran. It will attempt to show why the particular characteristics and culture of these Iranian oases, specifically vernacular architecture and traditional water supply systems, lend themselves to a viable focus for tourism which if properly implemented can become part of a sustainable tourism program.