title: How to use composite indicator and linear programming model for determine sustainable tourism.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The tourism industry which is one of the most dynamic economic activities in today's world plays a significant role in the sustainable development. Therefore, in addition to paying attention to tourism, sustainable tourism must be taken into huge account; otherwise, the environment and its health will be damaged irreparably.
  
  
  METHODS
  To determine the level of sustainability in this study, indicators of sustainable tourism were first presented in three environmental health, economic and social aspects. Then, the levels of sustainable tourism and environmental sustainability were practically measured in different cities of Kerman Province using a composite indicator, a linear programming model, Delphi method and the questionnaire technique. Finally, the study cities (tourist attractions) were ranked.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Result of this study showed that unfortunately the tourism opportunities were not used appropriately in these cities and tourist destinations, and that environmental aspect (health and environmental sustainability) had very bad situations compared to social and economic aspects. In other words, environmental health had the lowest levels of sustainability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The environment is a place for all human activities like tourism, social and economic issues; therefore, its stability and health is of great importance. Thus, it is necessary to pay more attention to sustainability of activities, management and environmental health in planning sustainable development in regional and national policy.
authors.affiliation: Economics of natural resources and Environment, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ziaabadi
authors.affiliation: Environmental Health Engineering Research Center and Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Malakootian
authors.affiliation: Economics of Natural Resources and Environment, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad Reza
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Zare Mehrjerdi
authors.affiliation: International Economics, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Seied Abdolmajid
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Jalaee
authors.affiliation: Agricultural Economics-agricultural policy and development, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Hosein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mehrabi Boshrabadi
keywords: Environmental health; Linear programming model; Sustainable development; Sustainable indicators; Tourism