Determining the Components of a Model for Sustainable Development of Mountain Tourism in Iran

Mountain tourism globally is considered due to its special privileges. Despite its rare nature and special mountainous attractions, Iran has not been able to gain its share of this industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the component of a model for sustainable development of mountain tourism in Iran. This is an applicable study and in terms of implementation strategy is Content Analysis. Using semi- structured interviews with 22 professors, mountain tourists, guides, managers, and experts of mountain tourism collected preliminary data. Research samples were selected by Purposeful, Snowball sampling and interviews were continued until approaching the theoretical saturation. Library studies and theoretical foundations were also used to collect data. Data analysis was performed by King and Horrocks thematic analysis process including three stages of descriptive coding, interpretive coding and integration through comprehensive themes using Excel software. The acquired findings were included 100 descriptive codes, 29 interpretive codes and 3 comprehensive themes. Reliability of the qualitative results was confirmed by examining the four decisive factors of Credibility, Transferability, Dependability and Confirmability, and the re-test reliability index at 91% indicated that the identifiers had good reliability. Based on the coding and the research results, the main influential components included infrastructure, attractiveness and sustainability. The results of this study are expected to contribute the researchers, managers, guides, local community and other stakeholders in the field of mountain tourism in order to reveal the key and important aspects for sustainable growth and development