Developing a strategic environmental management model for sports tourism in coastal and marine areas: A case study of Kish Island

Document Type : sustainable dvelopment

Authors
Kimiya Bagherzadeh 1
Ahmad Nohegar 2
1 Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Disasters Engineering, Education and Environmental Systems, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Disasters Engineering, Education and Environmental Systems, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a strategic environmental management model to foster the sustainable growth of sports tourism in the coastal and marine areas of Kish Island. As an applied study, it employed a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach grounded in strategic management. Data were collected through documentary research, field surveys, direct observation, and questionnaires and interviews with experts and stakeholders. The research was conducted in three phases: first, developing Internal and External Factor Evaluation (IFE and EFE) matrices; second, performing a SWOT analysis to formulate strategies; and third, using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) to evaluate and prioritize strategies. The analysis identified six strengths, eight weaknesses, eight opportunities, and seven threats, positioning the region in the WO (Conservative Strategies) quadrant. The top-priority strategy is collaboration with relevant institutions and research centers to identify and mitigate ecological hazards. The second priority is establishing coordination for integrated environmental management in development projects, and the third is conducting environmental impact assessments prior to project implementation. This research provides a strategic model supporting sustainable sports tourism on Kish Island and offers a replicable framework for similar regions aiming to utilize natural resources while preventing environmental degradation.

Keywords

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journal of olympic studies
Volume 3, Issue 3
studies of Olympic
Autumn
Autumn 2025
Pages 159-178

  • Receive Date 24 November 2024
  • Revise Date 13 July 2025
  • Accept Date 26 August 2025