درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Spiritual experiences are essential to individual well-being, offering profound emotional, psychological, and religious benefits. Pilgrimage sites, especially sacred spaces, provide a unique environment for pilgrims to experience personal renewal and spiritual transformation. This study investigates the spiritual experiences of young pilgrims at the Razavi Holy Shrine in Mashhad, Iran, a key pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims. Using an exploratory-descriptive qualitative approach and thematic analysis, the research identifies three main themes: Spiritual Well-being, Connectedness, and Consciousness, each with several subthemes. Spiritual Well-being encompasses positive emotions, energy, happiness, purification, and peace and tranquility, emphasizing the emotional uplift and inner peace experienced by pilgrims. Connectedness includes pilgrims’ connection with God, expressing needs and seeking divine favor, receiving blessings and assistance, and fostering ties with religion and holy leaders. This highlights the shrine’s role in deepening spiritual bonds and providing divine support. Consciousness involves experiences of detachment from routine life, timelessness, self-reflection, and religious awareness, illustrating how the pilgrimage fosters introspection and spiritual enlightenment. These findings contribute to the understanding of religious pilgrimage and spiritual transformation, offering valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and pilgrimage site administrators. Recognizing the dimensions of spiritual experiences can enhance spiritual tourism and guide future research on spiritual psychology and the transformative power of sacred spaces.

Pro-Poor Tourism (PPT) shifts the focus of tourism development by centering poverty alleviation within inclusive growth, empowerment, and sustainability, aiming to generate economic opportunities, enhancing skills, and uplifting marginalized communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This study evaluates PPT's effectiveness using a mixed-methods approach, combining a literature review with empirical data collected from Ameri neighborhood in Ahwaz city, Iran. Drawing on global PPT frameworks, the research identifies and assesses four key criteria: Economic Benefits, Social/Governance, Social/ Cultural, and Environmental Sustainability. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Technical experts prioritized Economic Benefits as the most critical criterion, emphasizing on Income Generation and Employment Opportunities. This aligns with literature highlighting economic empowerment’s role in poverty alleviation. However, local community responses indicated only moderate alignment with expert priorities, suggesting a potential gap between expert models and community needs. In contrast, local residents prioritized Governance Structures and Stakeholder Engagement, indicating the importance of participatory governance. They also rated Sustainable Resource Use and Eco-Friendly Practices highly, although receiving less emphasis from experts. Notable discrepancies emerged in perceptions regarding Community Well-Being, Social Equity, and Cultural Preservation, with significant variation among local responses, indicating uncertainty or dissatisfaction in these aspects. The findings supports a multidimensional PPT approach that balances economic gains with inclusive governance, cultural values, and environmental stewardship. By aligning expert insights with local realities, this study provides practical guidance for achieving equitable and sustainable tourism development, especially in ecologically and culturally sensitive regions like Ameri.

In recent decades, the tourism industry has emerged as one of the most significant catalysts for economic growth and social development worldwide. Given its rich cultural and natural endowments, Iran possesses the potential to become a premier destination for halal tourism. Halal tourism appeals not only to Muslim travelers but also to those seeking a healthy and ethically oriented lifestyle. This study aims to investigate the opportunities and challenges of developing halal tourism in the Makran region, employing an applied, descriptive, and analytical research design. Data were gathered through simple random sampling and analyzed using factor analysis. The findings reveal that the current framework for halal tourism in Makran lacks the requisite efficiency. Widening gaps in legal, economic, social, environmental, and institutional domains pose significant barriers. Key challenges include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient training of human resources, poor resource management, and a lack of coordination among relevant institutions. Moreover, water scarcity and non-compliance with environmental conservation principles further impede the progress of halal tourism in the region. This research proposes that sustainable development of halal tourism in Makran can be achieved by enhancing infrastructure, improving human resource training, increasing transparency and accountability, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Such an approach would not only drive economic growth in the region but also facilitate greater cultural and social exchange. Ultimately, adopting innovative tourism models and leveraging the region’s unique assets could enhance the efficacy of tourism management.

This article presents a systematic conceptual model to elucidate the role of cultural diplomacy and news media in the development and branding of cultural tourism destinations. The proposed model is built on four key components: cultural diplomacy as a strategic foundation, news media as an interactive medium, message framing, and cultural tourism destination branding. Using a documentary research method, the article extracts and explains the model’s key components and relationships, emphasizing its unique contribution by treating news media as an independent and equal partner to cultural diplomacy. This approach highlights the active role of media and the critical importance of message framing as a connecting mechanism between cultural policy and brand image. Ultimately, the process leads to the creation and reinforcement of a cultural tourism destination brand, which can enhance a destination’s international standing and foster sustainable cultural tourism development. The model provides a scientific and practical framework for policymakers and tourism stakeholders, addressing the existing gap in presenting integrated conceptual models that systematically incorporate the role of news media in this context.

Cultural marketing is considered one of the most effective strategies for introducing and strengthening local identities in the context of globalization. Among various cultural elements, food holds a distinctive position as both a part of tangible culture and an element of intangible heritage. It can convey the values, narratives, and lifestyles of a region in an accessible and experiential way. This study examines the role of traditional culinary practices and local dish names in the cultural marketing of Guilan Province, Northern Iran. A mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative) was used. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, including local chefs, cultural heritage experts, and organizers of culinary tourism tours. Thematic Content Analysis was applied to interpret the interviews. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-designed questionnaire was administered to 306 incoming tourists who had experienced local food in the province. Their responses were analyzed statistically. The findings indicate that Guilan's traditional foods reflect the region’s climate, history, language, rituals, and indigenous beliefs. Through the diversity of ingredients, unique cooking methods, and culturally rooted names, these foods have strong cultural appeal. Statistical analysis also revealed significant and positive relationships between tourists’ demographic, psychological, and motivational characteristics and their willingness to consume local foods and engage in culinary tourism Additionally, factors such as the diversity of dish names and preparation styles, the hospitality culture, health-related aspects of local food, and promotional activities were found to significantly influence demand and enhance the culinary tourism experience. Overall, the study emphasizes that the deliberate integration of food culture into tourism policies—especially by leveraging its symbolic and narrative dimensions—can strengthen destination branding and contribute to the sustainable economic and cultural development of local communities.

Takht-e Foulad in Isfahan stands as a significant tourist destination, embodying Iran’s rich spiritual, cultural, religious, and historical heritage. While primarily recognized as a cemetery, its diverse tourism aspects position it as a prominent cultural complex with the potential to serve as a “cultural tourism theme park.” This study examines the complex’s role in Isfahan’s tourism development through a spiritual lens, based on quantitative research conducted from autumn 2021 to summer 2022. Data collection methods included documentary research, library resources, and questionnaires. Analytical findings highlight an inherent spirituality within the Takht-e Foulad Complex, necessitating a holistic approach that integrates the perspectives of tourists, the site, and the local community. The study categorizes the complex’s tourism dimensions into heritage, religious, and event tourism, aiming to craft a spiritually-oriented tourism strategy that contributes to Isfahan’s broader tourism development. The final model presents practical recommendations and strategies to promote spirituality while advancing tourism within the Takht-e Foulad Complex.

Intentionality is a form of received and perceptual awareness through which humans relate to their geographical lifeworld. This awareness is acquired both objectively and, at times, subjectively, and is shaped through various mediating factors. In the context of urban tourism, the structure of such intentionality is grounded in phenomenological and post-phenomenological approaches, emerging from the relational dynamics between humans and tourism elements. The present study aims to explore the manner and conditions of tourists' intentional perception—tourists being positioned as the observer (subject) toward tourism artifacts and sites—considered as the observed (object). The research methodology is qualitative, based on phenomenological and post-phenomenological perspectives, and employs semi-structured interviews conducted with tourists in the city of Zanjan.Data were analyzed using the grounded theory model, involving open, axial, and selective coding. The resulting categories were interpreted and classified within the contextual framework of factors, mediators, and symbols of intentionality. Findings indicate that tourists’ awareness and understanding differ between initial (prior) and subsequent (posterior) stages of intentionality and follow a developmental trajectory. Categories such as attractions, religion, handicrafts, traditional markets, contemporary history, and mummification—which characterized the initial stage—give way in the subsequent stage to religion, culture and beliefs, architecture and identity, history and civilization, diversity of heritage, and heritage preservation, reflecting a shift in the mental structure of perception. As a result, touristic intentionality is influenced by direct observation, length of stay, and various intermediating factors (such as services, support systems, interpretation, and guidance). Ultimately, it is a function of the volume and quality of information received from the objects (tourism elements) through the mediating role of the subjects (tourists).

This study investigates the mediating role of mobile application satisfaction in the relationship between positive intercultural encounters, cultural intelligence, and tourist experience. It addresses a critical gap in understanding how digital tools facilitate meaningful cross-cultural engagement within tourism contexts. This applied, descriptive-analytical research was conducted among 371 tourists visiting Yazd Province, selected through simple random sampling. Validity was confirmed through convergent and discriminant validity assessments, and reliability was established via Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability. Multivariate normality was confirmed. Subsequently, the hypothesized relationships were examined using SEM in Amos24, employing the robust Maximum Likelihood (MLR) estimation method to ensure robust parameter estimates. Results indicate that while the direct effects between intercultural encounters and cultural intelligence and tourist experience were nonsignificant, significant indirect effects emerged through mobile app satisfaction. Intercultural encounters positively predicted app satisfaction, which in turn enhanced cultural intelligence and tourist experience.  Bootstrapping confirmed significant mediation for cultural intelligence and tourist experience.  Mobile applications serve as pivotal conduits for transforming intercultural interactions into enhanced cultural competence and enriched travel experiences. These findings underscore the importance of digital infrastructure in modern tourism management and offer practical implications for experience design.

Historic houses are among the key tourist attractions in arid regions. Kashan, a city located in the arid zones of Iran, is home to numerous historic houses. This study aims to assess the potential of Kashan’s historic houses to attract tourists using the Pralong model. The tourism grade for each house was determined based on several indicators, including physical beauty, scientific value, historical-cultural significance, and socio-economic impact. Data collection involved library research, documentary analysis, and surveys. The results indicate that, in terms of tourism standards, Borujerdi House ranks first. According to statistics from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism, as well as the Pralong model, Borujerdi House holds the top position in attracting tourists, followed by Sharifian House, Ameri House, Tabatabaei House, and Abbasian House. Borujerdi House received the highest score in aesthetic value, while Ameri House ranked first in scientific value.

December is a period of fun and excitement so that many people look forward to it. However, are these excitements and fun inclusive of every member of society? This study investigates the inclusivity of Detty December festivities for people with disabilities in Nigeria, focusing on the practical and legislative aspects of accessibility. Despite the existence of protective legislation like the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (DAPWDA), the experiences of people with disabilities during these celebrations remain largely unexamined. Through a survey of 42 participants with various disabilities, we explore the barriers to participation, the adequacy of current accessibility measures, and the implementation of inclusive practices during Detty December events. Findings reveal a significant gap between legal mandates and actual practice, with many respondents experiencing mediocre to terrible event experiences due to physical inaccessibility, lack of informational accommodations, and insufficient staff training in disability assistance. The study highlights the need for strategic improvements in venue selection, event planning, and staff education to ensure compliance with the law and that Detty December is a celebration accessible to all. Recommendations include improved signage, pre-event distribution of materials in multiple formats, mandatory disability awareness training for staff, and personalised service adjustments to meet individual needs. This study calls for a proactive approach in event management to ensure an inclusive festive environment where everyone can partake in the cultural celebration without barriers.

this study seeks to propose a cultural marketing model based on the cultural characteristics of the tourism destination of Shiraz. The research was conducted using a qualitative research method as well as semi-structured interviews with tourism and marketing specialists. Based on the rational approach of theoretical and judgmental sampling, 16 participants were sampled until theoretical saturation was reached. Based on the findings, the cultural marketing model was divided into 20 sub-themes, such as; valuing the cultural experience, engaging the local community with conservation, the government's role, friendly communication between host and guest, transforming the tourism approach, revitalizing culture, national pitifulness, media, technology, supplying infrastructure and cultural background, destination features, residents and destination management, the destination community's awareness and education, cultural identity, the tourist's influence on the host, the tourist's behavior in the destination, the foreign tourist's influence, the human role, friendly interactions between guests and hosts, cultural products of tourism, the production and representation of cultural products and 4 primary classifications such as; product, destination, communication, along with procedures. There are many effects and consequences associated with tourism development. Tourism development and the management of its diverse cultural impacts and consequences can be enhanced with the use of cultural marketing, taking into consideration the destinations' cultural capacities. The pursuit of cultural marketing with the aim of creating jobs and income for the residents of the destination can contribute to the re-establishment of national and cultural identity, the conservation of cultural heritage, and the protection of its authenticity

In order to improve the quality of women's personal, professional and family lives while addressing financial concerns, it is essential to consider the improvement of women's working conditions from multiple perspectives. In this regard, the research objective was to investigate the impact of working background conditions on the economic welfare of women employed in handicrafts in less developed rural areas. The statistical population includes all female workers in less developed rural areas of Iran in 2025 who are employed in handicrafts sector. The sampling method used was random cluster with a total of 380 samples selected according to Morgan's table. In order to collect the required data, a questionnaire prepared by the researcher was used, which included two sections to assess economic welfare and working background conditions. The results of the study systematically show that the dimensions of "unbiased behavior in work”, "balance between work and life”, and "social support" have the most significant impact on the economic welfare of women engaged in handicrafts. The findings of this study underscore the necessity of implementing targeted support policies to enhance equitable organizational practices, fortify work-life balance, and broaden social support networks as pivotal strategies for enhancing the economic welfare of rural women.

Entrepreneurship serves as a pivotal solution to address the economic challenges faced by nations. Given the positive impacts of tourism activities in rural areas, experts recognize it as a cultural instrument for fostering entrepreneurship in villages. This study aims to develop a strategic entrepreneurship model for the rural tourism industry through a cultural lens. Employing a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) with grounded theory, the research gathered quantitative data from a statistical population of 384 participants, while qualitative insights were derived from 20 semi-structured interviews. Data analysis utilized SPSS25 for structural exploration and AMOS for composite reliability (CR) assessment via structural equation modeling. Key findings identified causal factors (e.g., value creation in rural tourism, effective rural tourism promotion, risk-taking, self-efficacy, and innovation among villagers and farmers), contextual factors (e.g., cultural interactions, awareness of cultural heritage, cultural development, and cultural education), intervening factors (e.g., environmental-regional infrastructure, social dynamics, and motivational drivers), and strategic pillars (e.g., essential R&D, organizational support, and management planning). The implementation of these strategies yielded outcomes such as rural income diversification, enhanced competitiveness of small businesses, employment generation, and increased productivity and revenue growth. This study concludes that a culturally informed approach to rural tourism entrepreneurship offers a novel strategy for rural economic development, effectively diversifying income sources and fostering sustainable progress.