Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Iran, having many natural attractions, is one of the countries capable of attracting sports tourists, especially in the field of recreational and adventure sports. Accordingly, the aim of the current research was to identify the development strategies of recreational and adventure sports tourism in Iran with the SOAR approach.
Methods: The method of current qualitative exploratory research was conventional content analysis. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 17 experts and activists of recreational and adventure sports, who were selected based on a purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using open and axial coding. The validity of the codings was confirmed by reviewing and controlling the correctness of the extracted codes by two collaborating experts.
Results: Based on the findings, the components of diverse climatic capacity, supportive structure and richness of human resources were included in the main theme of strengths. The components of popularity, socio-cultural support, regional position of Iran and economic advantage were stand in the main theme of opportunities. Also, public reception, financial development, expansion of health and the vitality and development of adventure sports at championship levels were in the main theme of aspirations, and finaly, the components of sports tourism development, job creation and business prosperity, improving the health status of community members, sustainable economic development and social development were categorized in the main theme of measurable results.
Conclusion: Paying attention to research and development, internal and external interactions, advertising development, management and planning requirements, using the media platform, education and culture, allocation of financial resources and economic support, development of infrastructure and development of safety and security are basic strategies for the development of recreational and adventure sports tourism capacity.
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