Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Business Management, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran.
2
Department of Accounting, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Imam Reza International University,Mashad, Iran.
Abstract
Tourism is an important and influential factor in generating foreign exchange and improving the economic and entrepreneurship situation. The aim of this study is to identify entrepreneurial opportunities in the tourism industry of Taybad County. This research is developmental in terms of purpose, descriptive in nature, and qualitative in terms of data type, conducted through content analysis. Data were collected using a library method by reviewing books, articles, and theses, and interviews were used as a data collection tool. To this end, interviews were conducted with 12 experts in the tourism industry of Taybad County, who held academic degrees in fields such as marketing, tourism, and entrepreneurship. Theoretical saturation was reached after interviewing 9 of them. The criteria for selecting experts included theoretical expertise (based on reviewing relevant studies), practical experience (relevant work background), willingness and ability to participate in the research, and accessibility. The sampling method was purposive. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis. Based on the interviews with tourism experts in Taybad County, 53 components within 13 main dimensions were identified as factors of entrepreneurial opportunities in the tourism industry. The findings indicated that entrepreneurial tourism opportunities in Taybad County include accommodation, recreation, entertainment and adventure, hosting special events and conferences, environmental initiatives, food and beverages, transportation, public facilities, informational and communication opportunities, agricultural attractions, educational opportunities, cultural attractions, tourism services, and the health, wellness, and medical sector.
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