Identifying and Understanding Factors Influencing the Development of Local Sports Tourism within the Framework of Sports Tourism Marketing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabatabae'i University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of [Please specify faculty name], Amin Police University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Context and Purpose: Local sports tourism represents a significant segment of the sports tourism industry that is prevalent in most countries. Many communities have endeavored to preserve the authenticity and value of local traditions while deriving additional benefits from the development of local sports tourism. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the development of local sports tourism within the framework of sports tourism marketing.
Design/methodology/approach: The present research employs a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative), utilizing a systematic literature review in the qualitative phase and a survey method in the quantitative phase. In the first part of the study, a systematic review was conducted. Following the procedures of this method, the researchers extracted the main components related to the research topic. In the second part, a quantitative survey was used to confirm or reject these components.
Findings: The present research employs a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative), utilizing a systematic literature review in the qualitative phase and a survey method in the quantitative phase. In the first part of the study, a systematic review was conducted. Following the procedures of this method, the researchers extracted the main components related to the research topic. In the second part, a quantitative survey was used to confirm or reject these components.
Conclusion: The results indicate that a creative integration of Iran's rich cultural heritage with modern technologies in tourism marketing and management can not only establish a successful model for countries with similar historical backgrounds but also has the potential to become a pioneering model in the global sports tourism industry. This strategic approach, while preserving cultural authenticity, enables the sustainable economic utilization of these unique capacities.
Originality/value: This study pioneers a model for developing Iran's local sports tourism by uniquely integrating its rich cultural heritage with modern marketing strategies. It presents a replicable blueprint for similar cultural contexts and a forward-looking approach for the global tourism industry, balancing cultural authenticity with sustainable economic growth.

Keywords

References

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Tourism and hospitality marketing research
Volume 3, Issue 2 - Serial Number 5
Autumn and Winter
September 2025
Pages 7-37

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