Introduction
Tourism, as both a major revenue-generating industry and a modern social phenomenon, has far-reaching effects on the promotion and transformation of the cultures of different societies. Although the Islamic Republic of Iran was among the pioneering countries in the region to incorporate tourism into its overarching policy documents, it has failed to implement these policies in a coherent and sustainable manner. This challenge can largely be attributed to weaknesses in the formulation of policy and legislative documents based on a theoretically grounded policy framework, as well as shortcomings in implementation and governance mechanisms.
Despite its civilizational diversity, religious heritage, and extensive cultural resources, the Islamic world continues to have a relatively limited and fragmented presence in the global tourism system. This situation can partly be attributed to the dominance of economically oriented approaches and the absence of coherent cultural policymaking. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the lack of an indigenous theoretical framework for cultural policymaking in tourism has resulted in conceptual fragmentation and a lack of alignment between cultural objectives and practical considerations in existing policies and programs. Against this background, this study introduces the concept of spiritual tourism as its theoretical core. Spiritual tourism conceptualizes travel as an opportunity to enhance awareness, deepen spiritual experiences, and foster moral virtues in both individuals and society.
The main research question is how spiritual tourism can be conceptualized within cultural policymaking in the Islamic world and what theoretical and institutional requirements are necessary for its implementation. The primary objective of the study is to introduce spiritual tourism as a theoretical foundation for tourism policymaking. The subsidiary questions concern the conceptualization of spiritual tourism within the framework of the New Islamic Civilization, the role of Islamic sciences and jurisprudence in shaping spiritual tourism, and its different forms and manifestations.
Methodology
This study adopts a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through documentary and library research and an expert focus group. SWOT analysis was employed to identify implementation strategies. Internal and external factors were assessed by a five-member expert panel comprising graduates of both Islamic seminaries and universities.
For the formulation of policy recommendations, the study combines rational and incremental approaches. The rational approach was employed to define overarching objectives and formulate a vision of the desired future. This was pursued through Causal Layered Analysis (CLA), encompassing four levels: litany, social causes, discourse/worldview, and myth/metaphor. The incremental approach was applied at the implementation stage through the identification and assessment of internal and external factors in the SWOT matrix.
Findings and Discussion
Causal Layered Analysis of the Existing Drivers of Tourism in the Islamic World: At the litany level, factors such as enjoyment, recreation, vitality, and relief from fatigue are identified. At the level of social causes, structural factors, leisure-time activities, revenue generation, and the development of the transportation industry are emphasized. At the worldview level, concepts such as travel, global tourism, familiarity with other cultures, and an emphasis on nature can be identified. At the myth/metaphor level, escape from suffering, hedonism, and the pursuit of variety constitute the dominant myth/metaphor underlying contemporary tourism.
Causal Layered Analysis of the Ideal Drivers of Tourism in the Islamic World: At the litany level, the objectives include countering Islamophobia, promoting the higher teachings of Islam, restoring historical monuments, fostering hope, and generating sustainable revenue. At the social level, the emphasis is placed on strengthening Muslim solidarity, consolidating Islamic identity, promoting justice and employment, and protecting the environment. At the worldview level, key values include learning from history and experience, education, gaining a deeper understanding of religion, reflecting on the external and internal dimensions of existence, fostering unity, and serving society. At the myth/metaphor level, human flourishing and spiritual advancement constitute the central concept of the desired ideal, given that the elevation and perfection of human beings are among the principal ends of divine laws.
Assessment of Internal and External Factors: The overall scores for the internal and external factor evaluation matrices were 2.64 and 2.57, respectively. Since both scores exceed 2.5, the findings indicate that the internal strengths and external opportunities of tourism in the Islamic world outweigh its weaknesses and threats. Accordingly, aggressive (SO) strategies should be pursued.
Conclusion
Spiritual tourism reorients cultural tourism policymaking from a myth/metaphor centered on pleasure and the waste of time toward one centered on material development and spiritual advancement. At the social level, it shifts the emphasis from the collective values of the secular world toward Islamic social values, including solidarity within the Muslim ummah and the strengthening of Islamic identity. At the other analytical levels, it likewise entails a shift from a discourse centered on travel and tourism toward one focused on learning from experience and the acquisition of knowledge.
By combining rational and incremental approaches, the study proposes several strategies, including foresight, spatial planning and feasibility assessment for tourism development, the identification and development of tangible and intangible tourism attractions, the use of emerging promotional and communication capacities, the restoration of historical monuments, and the strengthening of tourism infrastructure. Based on the SWOT matrix, additional strategies include establishing civilizational tourism startups, developing ecotourism and community-based tourism, establishing an Islamic World Tourism Center within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), organizing tours of Islamic capitals, utilizing metaverse-based services, developing medical tourism, and promoting elite tourism.