Smart rural tourism development through digital technologies represents an innovative approach to boosting local economies and preserving cultural sustainability. This study aims to design a smart tourism development model for rural areas in Iran, employing a qualitative methodology based on grounded theory. The theoretical foundations and literature—both domestic and international—related to smart rural tourism development via digital technologies were thoroughly reviewed using documentary and library-based research methods. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 31 experts, including senior managers from the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, IT specialists from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, and academic scholars (faculty members). The data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory approach. Findings reveal that causal factors include infrastructural and technological elements, economic-financial drivers, socio-cultural aspects, and environmental-ecological considerations. Intervening conditions comprise technical-infrastructural issues, political-governance dynamics, and human factors. Contextual conditions involve historical and institutional-legal dimensions. The core phenomenon is the development of smart rural tourism through digital technologies. Strategic components include establishing an integrated and intelligent digital infrastructure, developing a unified digital tourism platform for rural areas, implementing smart and data-driven marketing and branding, empowering local communities, and fostering small-scale businesses. Consequences span geopolitical and security. By integrating technical and human-centered strategies, the proposed model not only promotes sustainable rural tourism but also strengthens local economies, safeguards cultural heritage, and enhances the quality of life for host communities. This model can serve as a strategic framework for policymakers and planners in realizing smart and sustainable rural tourism.