Geography and Human Relationships

Geography and Human Relationships

Providing a Model on the Role of Sports Tourism Development in Job Creation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Reza Ariyayar 1
Fatemeh Negahdari 2
Arezoo Mohammadzadeh 1
1 Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas Branch, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
10.22034/gahr.2025.505428.2389
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide a model for the role of sports tourism development in job creation. The research method was descriptive in nature, correlational in type, and data was collected through a field study. The statistical population of the study included all sports management professors, tourism professors, and sports business specialists, and the sample was selected from the population using a convenience sampling method (100 participants). The research tool was a researcher-designed questionnaire, and its content and face validity were confirmed by 10 sports management and tourism professors. The composite reliability was also validated through structural equation modeling. Data analysis was conducted using statistical methods, including frequency percentage, mean, convergent validity, divergent validity, composite reliability, and factor loading, with the help of PLS software version 4. The findings of the study indicated that sports tourism has a positive effect on direct job creation, indirect job creation, and all of their dimensions, particularly in sectors such as transportation services, hospitality, restaurants, tour guides, and stores related to sports equipment. Moreover, sports tourism can lead to the creation of new job opportunities in less developed areas and contribute to their economic and social development. These results suggest that the expansion of sports tourism can serve as a key factor in reducing unemployment rates and creating sustainable job opportunities.
Keywords
Tourism
Sports Tourism
Direct Job Creation
Indirect Job Creation
Subjects
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Geography and Human Relationships
Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 33
Winter 2026
Pages 254-268

  • Receive Date 10 January 2025
  • Revise Date 25 February 2025
  • Accept Date 04 March 2025