Developing an integrated model for the competitiveness of sports tourism destinations

Several conceptual models have been developed in previous studies to address destination competitiveness; Nevertheless, to our knowledge, this issue has not been examined from the perspective of developing a cogent and integrated model in the field of sports tourism. Hence, this paper's primary objective was to provide an integrated competitiveness model for sports tourism destinations. A grounded theory methodology (paradigm model) was employed to construct the model and a systematic literature review technique for collecting data. This study reviewed and evaluated 25 papers from the Scopus and Web of Science databases until May 2021. The paradigm model identified and classified related variables with the central phenomenon (competitiveness of sports tourism destinations). The most significant contribution of this paper was developing a novel and integrated model to fill a theoretical gap in the literature on sports tourism, with a particular focus on destination competitiveness. As a result of the use of this model, policymakers will be able to understand better the requirements, strategies, and consequences of promoting competitiveness in sports tourism destinations. Therefore, academics and practitioners may profit from the results of this research. • An innovative and integrated model for sports tourism destination competitiveness. • Policymakers and practitioners will better understand the strategies for developing a competitive sports tourism destination. • The model's data may help policymakers and others interested in sports tourism consider the components necessary to develop competitiveness effectively.