The Fifth International Conference on Tourism and Spirituality is currently being developed with a renewed focus on the cultural and heritage dimensions of tourism. These aspects are increasingly recognized as vital to understanding the deeper narratives that shape travel experiences.

Exploring them through the lens of spirituality offers new intellectual pathways and research agendas, particularly within the context of Iran’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage. Such a perspective not only broadens the theoretical scope of tourism studies but also reinforces the necessity of incorporating meaning-making, identity, and cultural memory into contemporary tourism discourse.

 

Conference Topics

 

Global Perspective on Tourism and Spirituality: Culture, Heritage and Transformation

 

1.Cultural Heritage and Spiritual Tourism:

Exploring how cultural and sacred sites shape spiritual journeys, and the role of heritage preservation in fostering meaningful travel experiences.

• The role of cultural heritage sites in spiritual tourism
• Preservation of sacred landscapes and pilgrimage routes
• Cross-cultural influences on religious travel experiences
• The impact of commercialization on spiritual destinations
• Indigenous cultural traditions and their integration into tourism

2.Community Engagement in Spiritual Tourism:

Examining how local communities participate in and benefit from spiritual tourism, including sustainable practices and ethical considerations.

• Ethical considerations in the interaction between tourists and local spiritual communities
• Sustainable tourism practices that protect sacred sites
• The economic and social benefits of spiritual tourism for local populations
• Revitalization of spiritual traditions through tourism initiatives
• Community-led pilgrimages and religious festivals as tourism attractions

 

3.Transformation through Travel:

Discussing how tourism can serve as a catalyst for personal and collective transformation, fostering spiritual growth, self-reflection, and intercultural understanding.

• Personal spiritual awakening through cultural travel experiences
• Psychological and emotional benefits of engaging in spiritual tourism
• Storytelling and narrative reconstruction in transformative journeys
• Interfaith dialogue and understanding fostered through travel

4.Global Trends and Future Perspectives:

Analyzing emerging trends in tourism and spirituality, the impact of digital technology, and the evolution of pilgrimages and spiritual retreats worldwide.

• The digitalization of spiritual experiences (virtual tours, AI-guided spiritual journeys)
• The role of social media in shaping spiritual travel choices
• Climate change and its impact on sacred destinations

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