Background and Purpose: Desert sports tourism represents an underexplored yet high-potential segment of the global tourism industry. Despite Iran's position as home to some of the world's most attractive desert regions, the development of desert sports tourism in the country remains limited and fragmented. This study aimed to propose a comprehensive development model for desert sports tourism in Iran.
Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted using Glaser's classical grounded theory with the 6C coding family. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 experts selected through purposive and snowball sampling, including university faculty members, desert tour managers, and desert researchers. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached at the eighteenth interview. Data were analyzed through open, selective, and theoretical coding using MAXQDA 2020.
Results: Analysis yielded 159 open codes, which were integrated into 37 selective codes and organized into six theoretical categories within the 6C framework. The six categories were: causes (including entrepreneurial management, scientific activity, and government support); contextual factors (including infrastructure, investment, and access routes); covariances (including media, digital advertising, and tourism websites); conditions (including sustainability principles, cultural exchange, and human resource training); contingencies (including security systems, diplomacy, and policymaker attitudes); and consequences (including economic growth, cultural interaction, and improved global perception of Iran).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the sustainable development of desert sports tourism in Iran requires a systematic institutionalization process that integrates governance, infrastructure, promotion, and international diplomacy. The proposed model provides a structured framework for policymakers, sports federations, and tourism authorities to guide evidence-based decision-making in this sector.