The Role of E4 Dimensions in the Development of Water Sports and Recreation Tourism Resources on Kish Island

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Kish International Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kish, Iran

2 Department of Physical Education and sport science, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr, Iran

3 University faculty member of IAU,Sport sciences

10.22034/sms.2025.142608.1431

Abstract

Engagement. These elements are believed to enhance tourist attraction, satisfaction, and social interaction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the 4E dimensions in developing water sports and recreational tourism resources on Kish Island. The research was applied in purpose and descriptive-survey in method. The statistical population consisted of employees from the Kish Free Zone Organization and the Kish Institute of Sports and Recreational Activities, selected through convenience sampling (N = 257). Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire, whose face and content validity were confirmed by 11 experts in sports management. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability coefficients. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 and Smart PLS version 4. The results demonstrated that Experience (0.844), Esthetic Experience (0.913), Engagement (0.902), Advocacy Commitment (0.830), and Ubiquity (0.887) had significant impacts on the strategic development of sports tourism resources. These findings suggest that managers of sports and marine recreation centers must recognize and leverage these resources to improve performance. This study, by applying the 4E model innovatively, offers new insights into integrating experience, esthetics, engagement, advocacy, and ubiquity to foster the growth of water sports tourism on Kish Island. It highlights a dual achievement: enhancing service quality and supporting sustainable and strategic tourism development in the region.

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