Analysis of Preventive Policies Against Bankruptcy in Tourism Businesses Based on Thematic Analysis and Structural Modeling

Shahraki, Behzad; Tekei, Abdolghader; Maetoofi, Alireza; Shojaee, Samereh

doi:10.22069/jead.2026.24042.1927

Analysis of Preventive Policies Against Bankruptcy in Tourism Businesses Based on Thematic Analysis and Structural Modeling

Authors

¹ Department of Public Administration, Go.C., Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran.

² Department of Public Administration, Gkm.C., Islamic Azad University, Gonbad Kavoos, Iran.

³ Department Of Public Administration, .AK.C., Islamic Azad University, Aliabad Katoul, Iran.

10.22069/jead.2026.24042.1927

Abstract

Bankruptcy among tourism businesses, particularly during economic and environmental crises, poses a significant challenge to the sustainable development of this industry. Examining preventive policies in this context can play a vital role in enhancing resilience and maintaining the economic dynamism of tourist destinations. This study aims to analyze the pathology of bankruptcy prevention policies in tourism businesses using a survey-based approach. The statistical population comprised academic experts, managerial personnel, and owners of tourism businesses, from whom samples were purposefully selected. After conducting 17 semi-structured interviews, theoretical saturation was achieved. The gathered data were coded using thematic analysis, and the validity was confirmed by experts, while credibility was verified through the Holsti method. Following final coding, the final model was extracted and analyzed using MaxQDA20 software. In the second phase, to analyze the relationships among constructs and design the conceptual model, Structural-Interpretive Modeling (ISM) and MicMac software were utilized. The results indicated that four factors—economic conditions, tourism infrastructure, natural capabilities, and legal factors—emerged as the most significant and influential preventive policies against bankruptcy in tourism-focused businesses, exhibiting the highest level of influence (12) and the lowest dependency (4). Accordingly, the formulation of flexible policies, reinforcement of infrastructure, and targeted financial support are key strategies for preventing bankruptcy in tourism businesses. Additionally, the strategic utilization of natural resources and the digitalization of services can ensure resilience and sustainable development within the industry.

Keywords