Investigating the Strategies of the Development of Religious Tourism In Terms of Tourism–Pilgrimage Duality: A Case Study of Sacred Mausoleum in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Tourism Economics, Tourism Research Institute, ACECR, Khorasan Razavi
2
Ph.D. in Economics, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economics, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
3
Assistant Professor in Tourism Management, Maziar Institute of Higher Education, Royan, Iran
Abstract
As a contemporary form of tourism, religious tourism maintains a profound yet complex relationship with the traditional concept of pilgrimage. Despite conceptual ambiguities, such tourism has the potential to significantly contribute to job creation, income growth, and economic development, particularly in rural areas. In Iran, due to the diversity and abundance of religious attractions—especially sacred mausoleums —religious tourism enjoys a prominent position. Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, home to nearly one hundred sacred mausoleums, represents a highly promising region in this regard. This study used the SWOT analytical framework to identify strategic pathways for the development of religious tourism in the province. The evaluation of the Internal and External Factor Matrix showed that the province currently occupies a conservative strategic position. Under these circumstances, leveraging environmental opportunities to offset internal structural weaknesses becomes imperative. Accordingly, the formulation of realistic strategies that emphasize spatial planning, strengthen local participation, and establish effective regulatory frameworks can substantially enhance religious tourism in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, taking advantage of the spiritual potential of its sacred mausoleums.
Keywords
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