درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

Due to technological advances and existence of limitations in modern life, there has been a demand for new ways of tourism. In this regard, the present study aimed to model the factors affecting smart governance for managing cultural heritage tourism destinations. This study was of an interpretive, applied, quantitative, field-library and survey type. The statistical population was all activists, experts, managers and employees of tourism organizations in East Azerbaijan province and according to the results of the GPower software and using the criterion-based purposive method, 166 people were selected as a sample. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was obtained from the qualitative findings section of the study. In addition to the descriptive section, structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data and all analyses were performed in SPSS version 23 and SmartPLS version 3.1.1 software at a significance level of 0.05. The research results showed that the research model has a good fit and that the need for development, the need for accountability, smart features, culture, specialized factors and lifestyle has a positive and significant effect, and economic factors, political factors and government factors have a negative and significant effect on the smart governance of cultural tourism destinations in East Azerbaijan province. Managers and officials should think about developing and promoting positive and driving factors and eliminating negative and inhibiting economic, political and governmental problems.

The transmission of cultural knowledge plays a pivotal role in preserving cultural identity and promoting the sustainable development of heritage tourism. However, this form of knowledge is primarily tacit and transferred informally across generations, which makes its preservation increasingly challenging, particularly in light of the sudden retirement of experienced experts and the consequent loss of invaluable expertise. This study examines phased retirement as an innovative managerial strategy to facilitate cultural knowledge transfer. Grounded in Nonaka and Takeuchi’s SECI model, which conceptualises knowledge transfer through the stages of socialisation, externalisation, combination, and internalisation, the research employed a descriptive-analytical design using document analysis, field investigations, and a researcher-designed questionnaire. A total of 220 tourism industry professionals participated, and data were analysed with SPSS and Smart PLS, employing AVE, Fornell-Larcker, factor loadings, Cronbach’s alpha, and structural equation modelling. The findings reveal that phased retirement enhances cultural knowledge transfer by fostering intergenerational interaction, facilitating documentation, and strengthening the competencies of younger employees. The study recommends that tourism managers and policymakers adopt phased retirement strategies to improve cultural sustainability and enhance the quality of heritage tourism services.

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.

Pilgrimage denotes a profound spiritual journey that cultivates personal transformation, resilience, and psychological well-being. Previous studies have explored the psychological effects of pilgrimage. However, the specific mechanisms through which these spiritual experiences foster enduring happiness still remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate how spiritual well-being enhances the joy of pilgrimage through the lens of eudaimonic well-being, drawing on the self-determination theory (SDT) and the principles of eudaimonic psychology. The study argues that spiritual well-being acts as a fundamental resource, enabling pilgrims to navigate various challenges on their journey ( e.g. , physical hardship and introspection), achieve self-actualisation, and ultimately experience deep existential satisfaction. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to survey 152 Arbaeen pilgrims. The results indicated that spiritual well-being significantly influenced eudaimonic well-being, which in turn enhanced the joy derived from pilgrimage. The findings suggested that fulfilment associated with pilgrimage was not merely a fleeting emotional response but a deeply rooted psychological state arising from personal transformation, meaning-making, and spiritual elevation. This study contributes to the literature on religious tourism, positive psychology, and spirituality by highlighting the transformative power of pilgrimage as a pathway to human flourishing. It also provides both theoretical and practical frameworks for researchers, policymakers, and mental health practitioners seeking to understand and promote the psychological benefits of spiritual experiences.

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.

One of the emerging fields in tourism is family tourism, which has recently garnered the attention of researchers. Among the various topics explored in this field are the role of children in decision-making, their experiences related to tourism and travel, and the impact of tourism on their mental health and social adaptation. In this context, the present study aims to examine the relationship between family tourism and the social adaptation of children aged 6 to 10 in Tehran. This research follows a descriptive-analytical approach based on quantitative data. The statistical population consists of all children aged 6 to 10 in Tehran, with a sample size of 384, estimated using Cochran's formula. Sampling was conducted using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software, employing Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical tests, Pearson correlation tests, and both bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between family tourism and children's social adaptation. Additionally, the study reveals that key components such as reducing aggressive and antisocial behaviors, improving physical well-being, enhancing general responsibility, and strengthening social performance exhibit the strongest correlations with the family tourism variable.

In recent decades, tourism has played a significant role in the economies of many countries. One of the crucial elements in tourism is souvenir shopping. However, there is no research exploring Afghan souvenir shopping behavior. In addition, there is no research analysis of legal and illegal shoppers. The main objective of the present study is to identify the factors influencing Afghan immigrants’ selection of souvenirs, as well as to compare and analyze the purchasing behavior of legal and illegal Afghan immigrants. The research method employed in the current study is a qualitative approach with a semi-structured interview technique. Interviews were conducted with 45 individuals, including legal and illegal Afghan immigrants, comprising tourists, traders, students, and workers traveling to Iran. The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. According to the research findings, the influential factors on souvenir selection by legal immigrants include: "Tourism-Centric Nature of Souvenirs", "Needs and Expectations", "Diverse Shopping Styles", "Cultural and Ethnic Lenses", "Ethical Considerations", and "Real and Virtual Worlds”. Additionally, the influential factors of souvenir selection by illegal immigrants include: "Economic Conditions", "Purchase Motivation", "Affordability", "Collective Shopping Style", "Cultural and Ethnic Lenses", "Ethical Considerations", and "Real World Influence". Finally, it offers a comparison of purchasing behavior between legal and illegal societies. This study adds to the current body of knowledge by exploring a novel context.

The rise of nature-based travel and ecotourism has brought both intentional and unintentional environmental harm, raising concerns about sustainable practices. This study examines how tourists' prior experiences with nature influence their mental well-being, connection to nature, and adoption of responsible environmental behaviors. Focusing on Iran, a country with rich natural and cultural resources, the research explores mechanisms to promote sustainable ecotourism development. Using a descriptive-survey methodology, data were collected from Iranian ecotourists via questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. The findings reveal significant relationships: connection to nature positively impacts responsible environmental behavior, as does mental well-being. Prior ecotourism experiences significantly enhance both connection to nature and mental well-being. Mediation analysis shows that the frequency of ecotourism experiences indirectly influences responsible environmental behavior through mental well-being and connection to nature, with no direct significant effect. These results underscore the importance of fostering emotional and psychological ties to nature to encourage sustainable tourism practices. The study highlights the potential for ecotourism to contribute to environmental conservation by enhancing tourists' well-being and ecological awareness, offering valuable insights for sustainable planning in ecotourism destinations.

Accessible tourism is a type of tourism that includes the process of cooperation between stakeholders that enables people to function independently with justice and dignity through the fulfillment of accessibility needs (motor, visual, auditory, and cognitive), through the provision of universal services and products and empowers tourism environments. This study investigated the standards required by wheelchair users at the Natural History and Technology Museum in Shiraz City. Data were collected using the observation method based on a checklist. The results showed that the crossing routes, ramps, and slopes suit wheelchair users. Still, there is no place for wheelchair users in the conference hall, no elevator is installed to access the second floor, and toilets and parking are not designed for wheelchair users. Furthermore, because most of the items displayed in the museum are not at a suitable height, sensory access is not possible for wheelchair users. Based on the museum director's welcome and the suggestions provided, the museum can create a more suitable environment for accessible tourism.

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.