A Competitive Analysis of Sports Tourism in Golestan Provinces

Globalization has essentially turned the world into a competitive market. In this competitive world, the development of sports tourism is one of the important factors on the competitiveness of tourism destinations. The study is to analyze the competitiveness of sports tourism in Golestan province compared to other provinces of the country, especially Guilan and Mazandaran provinces. The method of the research was descriptive survey. The target population included professors in the field of sports and tourism management, officials and experts in the field of tourism and sports in Golestan province. The designed questionnaire, after confirming the reliability and validity, was distributed in person and in absentia among 200 experts in a targeted manner. The data analysis was performed by structural equation based on variance using Smart PLS software. The results showed that the variables of supporting factors and resources with a coefficient of determination of 0/546, resources and central attractions with a coefficient of determination of 0/511, tourism services with a coefficient of determination of 495, public infrastructure with a coefficient of determination of /0424 Policies with a coefficient of determination of 0/410 and management of tourism destinations with a coefficient of determination of 0/373, respectively are of the greatest impact on gaining a competitive advantage in Golestan province for the development of sports tourism.  Therefore, the development status and quality of sports tourism competitiveness indicators are not favorable due to the location of Golestan province in the north of the country and despite the capabilities and natural attractions of sports tourism. Lack of strategic and integrated plans, weak infrastructure, accommodation and hotels, advertising and marketing, have hindered the growth and prosperity of sports tourism in the region.