Investment Roadblocks: Exploring the Barriers and Challenges of Attracting Investors in the Development of Sports Tourism Destinations

Purpose: The sports tourism industry, as one of the thriving sectors of global tourism, has significant potential for growth and development. However, realizing this potential requires securing substantial financial resources to create modern infrastructure and hold sporting events. Attracting investors requires careful planning and efficient management. The purpose of this research is to identify and analyse these obstacles and challenges associated with attracting investors to sports tourism destinations.Methodology: This study employs a qualitative methodology grounded in data-driven theory. The research population consisted of experts in sports management, tourism, and economics, as well as managers from the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, Sports, and Youth, the governorate, the municipality, members of parliament, and managers of tourism agencies in Ardabil Province. Qualitative interviews were utilized to gather data. Following ۲۱ interviews, the data reached theoretical saturation. Data analysis was conducted systematically using thematic Analysis within the NVivo ۱۲ Plus software environment.Findings: Data analysis using a thematic approach identified ۳۶ unique investment-related codes. Based on significance and frequency, these were categorized into six main groups: political and security obstacles, bureaucratic barriers, inadequate infrastructure, lack of proper planning, financial challenges, and insufficient institutional, cultural, and social support. This research provides a comprehensive model to help policymakers and investors understand challenges and propose solutions.Originality: This study takes a novel step by identifying and analyzing barriers to attracting investors in sports tourism development. Using a qualitative approach, a comprehensive six-category model has been presented. The findings contribute to the sports tourism and investment literature, offering practical solutions for policymakers and investors to facilitate sustainable industry development.

کلیدواژه ها:

Investment Barriers ، Investor Attraction ، Sports business ، Sports tourism ، Tourism Destinations