Identifying Key Drivers in the Development of Sport Tourism in Aquatic and Beach Sports: A Future Study
Keywords:
Tourism industry, Sport tourism, Cross-impact analysis, CIB, Aquatic and beach sportsAbstract
The present study aimed to identify the key drivers and develop scenarios for enhancing the sport tourism industry in aquatic and beach sports using the Cross-Impact Balance (CIB) analysis method. This applied study adopted an exploratory survey methodology, utilizing a future study and scenario planning approach. The research was conducted in three stages: identifying key indicators through the Delphi method, determining key drivers using MicMac software based on cross-impact analysis, and developing scenarios using Scenario Wizard software rooted in the CIB method. The statistical population included tourism experts, executive professionals, sports and sports management specialists, and urban and regional planning experts. The sample consisted of 30 specialists in urban and regional planning, tourism, and sports management in the first stage, a 14-member expert panel selected purposefully in the second stage, and a focused group of 7 participants in the third stage. The findings identified 14 critical drivers from 35 key factors, including: (1) Internet, (2) Infrastructure facilities, (3) Medical centers, (4) Ports, (5) Public transportation, (6) Sports exhibitions, (7) Private sector investment, (8) Rehabilitation and massage centers, (9) Universities, (10) Facilities, (11) Governmental financial support, (12) Tax exemptions, (13) Hotels and accommodations, and (14) Travel agencies. These factors were recognized as key drivers for developing the sport tourism industry in aquatic and beach sports. In the scenario planning phase, 67% of the scenarios indicated desirability, while 33% reflected stability and crisis within the spatial organization of the tourism industry. The most favorable scenario, Scenario 1, was recommended, emphasizing preservation, drafting, expansion, interaction, development, quantitative and qualitative growth, and improvement of conditions.