It is well known that the archaeological heritage of Iran is characterized by a wealth and diversity that make for an outstanding heritage. There is a wide variety of archaeological heritage ranging from ancient times to the different historical periods before and after Islam. Currently the nation’s third largest industry, tourism is growing every year. Cultural tourism is one of the fastest growing aspects of tourism, with many archaeological sites becoming increasingly popular as tourist attractions. Cultural tourism is defined as “visits by persons from outside the host community motivated wholly or in part by interest in historical, artistic, scientific or lifestyle/heritage offerings of a community, region or group. It can also serve broader societal objectives of increasing awareness, understanding and appreciation of the past and of cultural identities. Cultural heritage tourism is an important contributor to the industry. Studies show that archaeological and historic places are major destinations for a growing number of travelers, both domestic and foreign. Heritage tourism is part of a larger trend known as cultural tourism. One of the hottest trends in the travel industry, cultural tourism is travel that encompasses Iranian sculture, history and environment. It is based on the idea that Iran is a rich country of distinct regions, ethnic backgrounds, cultural traditions and landscapes. This diverse history and unique social fabric can be experienced through such activities as visiting historic buildings, attending heritage festivals, listening to local music, touring archaeological sites, sampling ethnic cuisine, watching local crafts demonstrations, or viewing arts performances. The tourists who are searching for this type of unique, authentic experience are dubbed
cultural tourists. Typically cultural tourists have a higher income level and a higher level of education. They tend to take longer trips, stay in hotels and be interested in shopping. The cultural tourism phenomenon has recently received international attention, culminating in the providing a list of strategies, preparation of a Cultural Tourism Plan by any nations that will guide state-wide efforts. In Iran work is already underway to lay the foundation for sustainable cultural tourism development. The Iranian government has allocated funds for tourism development. The Division of Tourism oversee plan development in partnership with the Cultural Heritage Organization, the Iranian Cultural Revolution Council, the Department of Natural Resources and other institutions, through both the national park system and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Program. As the study progresses, the program will be looking to its many partners in the preservation community for help in gathering the information on cultural resources needed for a successful cultural tourism. In this paper I will briefly examine cultural heritage resource management, the state of tourism today and the bringing together of cultural preservation and tourism in the form of cultural tourism. I will conclude by presenting a series of challenges for those involved in ensuring that the quality of life in heritage areas can be enhanced through tourism development.
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