Evaluation of Iran’s Cultural Tourism Potential from the European Union Perspective: Jolfa Region

Abstract

Cultural tourism is the subset of tourism concerned with countries or regions’ culture, religions, history of the people and their lifestyle in their geographical areas, art, architecture and rural elements which have shaped their way of life. According to the European Union, tourism, especially cultural tourism has become recognized as an important agent of economic and social change in Europe. Cultural tourism market in Europe has become increasingly competitive. A growing number of cities and regions in the EU have based their tourism development strategies on the promotion of cultural heritage attractions. The present study was designed in five parts to determine the evaluation of Iran cultural tourism in Jolfa Region based on the EU tourism policies. The first part investigates conceptual framework of cultural tourism. Then, the significance of the European Union cultural tourism and their policies is elucidated. The later parts present that Jolfa Region the northern border of Iran which is introduced as a Free Trade Zone will be verified due to the cultural tourism potential based on the region’s historical architecture and events, landscape values and economic potential. Finally, this paper brings some suggestions in line with European countries’ experiences to improve Iran’s cultural tourism such as establishing its own cultural rout or pilgrimage way, maritime tourism, religious tour and traditional music festival.