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Karbala city is destination of millions of pilgrims from all over the world every year. Therefore, this research has assessed strategies for developing religious tourism in Karbala city, with an emphasis on improving the pilgrims' experience and exploiting the economic and social capacities of this city. First, indicators related to religious tourism infrastructure were identified, and then their impact on the pilgrims' experience was analyzed using statistical methods. Data collection tool is a researcher-made questionnaire, which was used to examine its validity from the specialists and experts in quantitative and relative content validity coefficient, and to examine its reliability, was used Cronbach's alpha. The statistical sample includes two groups, 19 people in the qualitative section and 550 people in the quantitative section, selected using convenience sampling. Data analysis includes initial coding, classification, extraction of indicators and variables, descriptive and inferential statistics such as one sample t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Results showed residence index with the maximum mean and minimum dispersion indicates the its importance and diversity for pilgrims. The recreational and commercial services index with the lowest mean showed less importance. Correlation results indicate a positive and significant relationship between the attraction index and other indicators at the 0.001 level, which shows that as tourist attractions are strengthened, other services and infrastructure are equally effective in improving the pilgrims' experience. Results of compare means between pilgrims and local residents showed in the catering service and residence indexes, mean of rank pilgrims (253.21 and 254.49) are higher than local residents (239.65 and 234.55) at a significance level of 0.398 and 0.215, respectively. As a result, improving tourism infrastructure, accessibility and improving the quality of recreational and medical services can lead to increased pilgrim satisfaction.

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.

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 developmental outcomes of Van Life as an emerging form of child-centered tourism in Iran. Van Life, defined as short-term, vehicle-based travel involving family participation and nature immersion, offers educational and emotional benefits for children. Despite its growing global appeal, this model remains largely unexamined in the Iranian context. Using a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive design, the study collected data from 15 families and 25 children aged 6–12 years who had engaged in Van Life-style travel. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and children’s drawings and were analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that Van Life positively contributes to children’s development in four domains: emotional (increased self-confidence and emotional regulation), cognitive (hands-on problem-solving and nature-based learning), social (strengthened family bonds and cultural openness), and environmental (awareness of sustainability and responsible behavior). Nonetheless, key barriers were identified, including inadequate infrastructure, cultural conservatism, and limited parental preparedness to support experiential learning during the travel. The study concludes that Van Life holds potential as a sustainable, inclusive, and educational tourism model for families in Iran. To address these limitations, this study recommends promoting environmental education, expanding support services, and designing policies that recognize the developmental value of child-centered tourism experiences.

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.

In a complex geopolitical context, Iran utilizes its rich spiritual and cultural heritage as a fundamental element of its tourism strategy to convey a sophisticated national identity. This research utilizes a qualitative thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework, analyzing official promotional materials, academic literature, and content generated by tourists to reveal the prevailing narratives that influence Iran's destination image. The analysis identifies a complex identity systematically built upon four narrative foundations: (1) sacred pilgrimage, which includes Shia, Sufi, and Zoroastrian spiritual journeys; (2) the grandeur of ancient empires, highlighting Achaemenid glory and Silk Road resilience; (3) the artistic soul of prominent cultural cities, notably Isfahan and Shiraz; and (4) the lived experiential aspect of deep hospitality, represented by the practice of Taarof. A key finding is the intentional balancing of Iran's pre-Islamic Persian heritage with its modern Islamic identity, resulting in a unified narrative of a persistent and resilient civilization. These narratives function as critical tools of "soft power," enabling Iran to actively counter singular, often negative, international perceptions. This study presents a framework for analyzing the use of narrative in navigating a contested geopolitical landscape and identifies a critical vulnerability: the strategy's reliance on the preservation of fragile heritage assets. This research offers significant insights for scholars and practitioners, highlighting essential aspects of destination marketing and cultural diplomacy. It illustrates the complex interactions among heritage, spirituality, tourism, and geopolitics in a nation seeking to reshape its global image.