OICC Press Geoconservation Research 2588-7343 8 1 2025 03 12 Qanat Tourism Development: A Content Analysis Approach 10.57647/j.gcr.2025.0801.04 EN Faezeh Asadian Ardakani Department of Management Sciences, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0057-7630 Journal Article 2025 03 12 Qanats, as remarkable feats of water engineering and symbols of indigenous knowledge in arid regions, hold a unique position in cultural heritage and sustainable tourism. Qanat tourism, a subset of geotourism, not only examines historical water systems but also provides opportunities to engage with the culture and history of local communities. This study utilizes content analysis to explore the key factors driving the development of qanat tourism. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with experts and analysis of relevant documents. The findings emphasize the importance of factors such as infrastructure development, resource provision and financial support, training and awareness, enhancing local culture and indigenous identity, host community empowerment, water resource and environmental protection, tourist security and health, and effective marketing strategies. Additionally, the study identifies key challenges to qanat tourism development, which require strategic attention and planning to address. These insights contribute to managerial decision-making and policy formulation aimed at promoting qanat tourism across diverse regions.