Identifying Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Sport Tourism in Golestan Province: A Qualitative Approach

Entrepreneurship provides an excellent tool for promoting economic growth and creating employment in societies. The present study was conducted with the aim of identifying entrepreneurial opportunities in sport tourism in Golestan Province. In terms of purpose, the research is applied, and in terms of method, it is an exploratory qualitative study based on grounded theory with a Glaserian approach. The research data were collected through snowball sampling and in-depth semi-structured interviews with ۱۲ experts, including managers and coaches with postgraduate education in provincial sport federations and clubs, university professors in sport management, as well as practitioners in the fields of entrepreneurship and tourism. Data collection was carried out using two methods: semi-structured interviews and a review of related literature. The data were analyzed based on grounded theory and the classical Glaserian approach in two stages of substantive coding and theoretical coding. Ultimately, ۲۰ components were identified across four dimensions. The findings indicated that entrepreneurial opportunities in sport tourism in Golestan Province include: nature-based recreational and sport centers, specialized sport activities, eco-lodges and camping facilities, and educational activities. These opportunities, with appropriate planning and investment, have the potential to transform Golestan Province into a regional hub for sport tourism. They also not only contribute to the province's economic growth, but also preserve the environment and strengthen local culture.