Designing a Horse Tourism Development Model in Khuzestan Province Based on Grounded Data Theory

Khajavi, Maryam; Shetab Bushehri, Seyedeh Nahid; Sajjadian, Mohammad; Ghazlesaflo, Hamidreza

Designing a Horse Tourism Development Model in Khuzestan Province Based on Grounded Data Theory

Document Type : Article extracted from thesis

Authors

Maryam Khajavi ¹

Seyedeh Nahid Shetab Bushehri ²

Mohammad Sajjadian ³

Hamidreza Ghazlesaflo ⁴

¹ PhD Student, Department of Physical Education, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran.

² Associate Professor, Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Shoushtar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar, Iran

⁴ Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education, Gonbad Kavous University, Golestan, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: The present study aimed to design a model for the development of horse tourism in Khuzestan province based on databased theory. This study was conducted using a qualitative method by conducting semi-structured interviews with 15 professors and specialists in sports and youth departments who were selected using a purposive sampling method.
Methodology: The method of collecting information was through the study of previous research and conducting semi-structured interviews. To examine the face and content validity, the research findings were presented to the participants and they studied the text of the theory and then their opinions were applied. The method used to examine reliability was the intra-subject agreement method. The average intra-subject agreement was reported to be 0.83.
Results and findings: : Based on a comprehensive analysis of interviews, the development of horse tourism in Khuzestan province is influenced by causal factors (human resources, economy, management), contextual conditions (infrastructure, security, environmental attractions), effective strategies (planning, participation, monitoring), and intervening factors (environment, technology, education). The successful development of this industry will lead to positive outcomes such as economic growth, social advancement, entrepreneurship, and cultural enrichment. Therefore, it is suggested that in order to develop horse tourism, considering the identified factors, focusing on improving infrastructure, strengthening management and strategic planning, and paying attention to intervening factors (environment, technology, education), the ground should be prepared for the active participation of stakeholders and benefiting from positive economic, social, and cultural outcomes.

Keywords

Tourism

Horse Tourism

Horse Racing

Grounded Data Theory

Khuzestan Province

Subjects

Urban Tourism

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