A Sustainable Supply Chain Model for Active Sports Tourism

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original

Authors

1 Department of sport management, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Motor Behavior & Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

The present study examines a sustainable supply chain model for active sports tourism. Adopting a mixed-method approach, the research utilized Glaser’s grounded theory, SEM, and interpretive structural modeling (ISM). In the qualitative phase, interviews were conducted with 12 experts and specialists in the field of sports tourism, and the collected data were coded using Glaser’s grounded theory method. In the quantitative phase, a sample of 380 participants—including faculty members and students in the fields of physical education and tourism—was selected, and the data were analyzed using PLS software. Subsequently, an expert panel (12 members) was convened to determine the hierarchical position of each component through interpretive structural modeling. The validity of the qualitative phase was confirmed through expert review, and its reliability was verified using the Kappa coefficient. In the quantitative phase, construct validity was assessed via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha. The findings revealed that key components of a sustainable supply chain include the equitable distribution of services, effective communication and awareness among stakeholders, creativity and innovation in performance, and sustainability and agility in operations—all of which play a critical role. Moreover, the positive impact of these components on the social, economic, and environmental performance of sports tourism was confirmed. A sustainable sports tourism supply chain can serve as an effective instrument for promoting the sustainable development of this industry in Iran. Considering the country’s existing potential, attention to the identified components can enhance sports tourism performance and increase foreign exchange revenues.

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Main Subjects

Archives in Sport Management and Leadership

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 December 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 19 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 17 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 17 December 2025

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