Presenting a model of agricultural tourism with a grounded theory approach

Considering the location of Golestan province with a privileged geographical position on the Tehran-Mashhad Asian road, proximity to international borders, being located along the Caspian Sea and also having ethnic and cultural diversity, how can it be one of the most important areas? Be considered a country tourist.The purpose of this study is to provide a model of agricultural tourism. This research is a qualitative research using data-based theory. Scope of study: Golestan province and the participants of academic, scientific and organizational experts were aware of the field of tourism and agriculture. In-depth interviews were conducted using purposive sampling using the snowball technique. In this study, the data reached a theoretical saturation stage after conducting fifteen interviews. Five more interviews were conducted to ensure adequacy. To determine the validity of the Lincoln and Guba criteria and to determine the reliability of the process audit method; Internal agreement was used. Data analysis was performed in three stages of open coding, axial coding and selective coding and then the final model was explained based on data-based theory. Accordingly, "climatic and environmental attractions, diversity of cultivation patterns and experience and attitudes of tourists" as causal conditions, "policy-making system and rural migration" as intervening conditions and "capacity building and support" "Government" were identified as the underlying conditions from the perspective of the research participants. Strategies also include "advertising and branding, management and planning, training and empowerment, and optimization of tourism patterns" and the implications include "entrepreneurship development and job creation and economic growth and prosperity." Therefore, it is suggested that by using the potential of agricultural hub and turning agricultural farms into self-harvesting farms, it will provide an opportunity for customers to pick farm products and at the same time it will be profitable for the farmer with the aim of saving time and money. Farmers who can not sell their produce on the farm can also sell their produce through farm stalls or small to large scale markets.