Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license
Authors
1
PhD student in History, Faculty of Iran History, Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran
2
PhD student in Tourism, Faculty of Tourism and Finance, University of Seville, Seville, Spain,
Abstract
Religious and ritual tourism in Iran, as part of broader cultural tourism, exhibits remarkable potential for economic, cultural, and social development. This study focuses on the country’s wide range of religious and national ceremonies and explores how they can reinforce cultural tourism. Findings indicate that key religious rituals such as Ashura, Tasuʿa, and Islamic festivals, alongside ancient festivities like Nowruz, Mehregān, and Yaldā, not only strengthen collective identity but also possess high capacity for attracting both domestic and international travelers. Developing this sector can create multiple opportunities for boosting local markets, generating employment, and increasing revenues in various regions nationwide. Conducted through a qualitative, interdisciplinary approach, this research reviews literature on heritage and ritual tourism and analyzes the interaction between cultural beliefs, religious customs, and the spiritual-educational experiences of visitors. The most significant challenges identified include inadequate infrastructure, limited statistical data, and occasionally the commodification of ceremonies that undermines their authenticity. Consequently, precise policymaking, local community education, targeted marketing, and preserving ceremonial integrity are deemed crucial. The findings demonstrate that religious and ritual tourism, by uniting historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions, can play a vital role in presenting Iran’s heritage to the world and serve as an effective tool for sustainable tourism development. Ultimately, broader interdisciplinary research, coupled with support for tourism infrastructure and constructive collaboration among government bodies, local communities, and private stakeholders, remains essential for ensuring success in this field.
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