The Study of Natural Attractions Affecting development of Sports Tourism in Kurdistan Province

The purpose of this study was to prioritize the factors affecting the development of sports tourism in Kurdistan province, with emphasis on the Natural-Sporting Attractions. Study sample was equal to population (N=74) and consists of three groups including sports experts (n=42), experts of active Tourism Agencies (n=18) and Kurdistan Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization experts’ (n=14). Descriptive-Comparative research method was applied in this study. We used a researcher-made questionnaire for data collection. Questionnaire reliability was confirmed by related masters and professionals (n=29), and validity by Cronbach Alpha Test (α >0.74). Data were analyzed by Factor Analysis, K-S, Friedman, and Kruskal Wallis tests. In prioritizing the natural-sporting attractions on the development of sports tourism in Kurdistan, there was no significant difference in attitudes of sports experts, experts of active Tourism Agencies and, Kurdistan Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization experts. The attractions related to climbing and caving and attractions related to winter sports were the most important factors and hill climbing and ecotourism were the last priority. Overall, the Kurdistan province natural-sporting resources are able to attract sport tourists. Being in the Zagros Mountains have provided an appropriate conditions for the development of related sports such as mountain climbing, caving, skiing, rock climbing and ice climbing. The attraction of the sport tourists will be possible through the development of these sports.