Identifying and Prioritizing Sports Tourism Indicators in the Development of National Security in Iraq

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 M.A. Student, Department of Sport Management, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Management, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.

Abstract

This research aims to identify and prioritize key indicators of sports tourism for the development of national security in Iraq. Recognizing the potential role of sports tourism across various economic, social, political, and security dimensions of a country, this study seeks to pinpoint the most important indicators in the Iraqi national context and prioritize them based on their impact.The study employed a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). In the qualitative phase, initial indicators were identified through interviews with experts and specialists in tourism, sport, and national security in Iraq. The quantitative phase utilized the SIWES method, a multi-criteria weighting approach, to weight and prioritize the identified indicators based on expert opinions.The statistical population for this research included experts, university professors, managers, and specialists active in the fields of sports tourism, national security, and policymaking in Iraq. The qualitative sample was selected through purposive sampling, while the quantitative sample was chosen using judgmental sampling.The results indicate that in developing Iraq's national security through sports tourism, indicators such as strengthening social stability and creating employment hold the highest importance. However, leveraging this capacity to improve the country's international image faces weaknesses. At the sub-indicator level, factors related to sports diplomacy and creating positive experiences for foreign tourists are prioritized, while the development of infrastructure and public services faces challenges that require attention and investment.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Geography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement
Volume 15, Issue 56
October 2025
Pages 169-196

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History

  • Receive Date: 27 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 09 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 12 June 2025

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