Design and validation of an e-marketing model in the tourism industry (Case study: Yazd province)

Considering the importance of using e-marketing to introduce attractions and considering the high potential of tourism in Yazd province, this article has been done with the aim of designing and validating the e-marketing model in the tourism industry of Yazd province. The present study has been integrated with an approach and has been carried out by a combined method or a mixed method. In this study, by using the research method of thematic analysis and conducting interviews with 14 experts in the tourism industry of the province, the factors affecting electronic marketing in the tourism industry of Yazd province are identified and categorized. The results of the interviews are analyzed by content analysis method and the quantitative part is tested by structural equation modeling. A total of 679 codes were identified by initial coding in open coding, which reached 56 concepts by screening primary codes and were classified into 12 main categories in centralized coding, including technological infrastructure, strategic planning, e-commerce learning, and high tourism potential. Province, the importance of providing tourism information, e-marketing, recognizing tourist attractions, branding, reducing the cost of access to the target market, growth and prosperity of tourism, job creation, increasing competitiveness. The results of structural equation modeling showed that the effect of all independent variables on the development of e-marketing in the tourism industry of Yazd province has been positive and significant. As a result, the model obtained from this research can be effective in the development of electronic marketing in the tourism industry. The findings will also help researchers and policymakers implement e-marketing in the tourism industry.