Geography and Human Relationships

Geography and Human Relationships

Consequences of Sports Tourism Development under Sanctions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sayed Sajjad Mohammadi zad 1
esmail Veisia 2
Maryam Karimi 3
1 Master's Student, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22034/gahr.2026.579957.2713
Abstract
The aim of this study is to identify and explain the consequences of sports tourism development under international sanctions and to utilize this capacity as a means for Iran to overcome its sanctions situation. This research is qualitative in nature. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 14 experts and specialists in the field of sports tourism in Iran from January to April 2025, continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis led to the identification of five core categories of consequences of sports tourism development under sanctions: economic consequences (growth of non-oil foreign exchange earnings, sustainable job creation, attraction of domestic and collective capital); socio-cultural consequences (national cohesion, reduction of psychological pressure, hope generation, reduction of social anomalies); international-political consequences (rebuilding Iran's image in foreign media, reducing Iran phobia, sports diplomacy as a lever of soft power); infrastructural-environmental consequences (improvement of transportation, enhancement of environmental standards, reorganization of dilapidated urban fabric); media and branding consequences (enhancement of national brand, production of inspirational content, regional competitiveness). Unlike previous studies that have mainly focused on the negative consequences of sanctions, the findings of this research indicate that sports tourism, by creating informal communication channels, rebuilding the national brand through reverse public diplomacy, and fostering endogenous and resilient development, can act as an intelligent geopolitical strategy, transforming the threat of sanctions into an opportunity for sustainable development. Targeted and cross-sectoral investment in this field can play a key role in helping Iran navigate its sanctions situation.
Keywords
Sports Tourism
International Sanctions
Development Consequences
Sports Diplomacy
Resistance Economy

Subjects

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Geography and Human Relationships
Volume 9, Issue 1 - Serial Number 33
Winter 2026
Pages 495-508

  • Receive Date 28 February 2026
  • Revise Date 17 April 2025
  • Accept Date 05 May 2026