Sofalineh

Sofalineh

Examining the Motivational Factors for Traveling to Iran and the Principles of Designing Souvenirs

Document Type : Original Article

Author
Independent Department of Industrial Design, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Today, tourism is one of the most significant economic industries in developed countries. Recognizing key factors in the prosperity of this industry has played an important role in the development of this commerce. Iran can also become one of the central tourism hubs in the world due to its high historical and cultural potential. This research aims to analyze the affiliation between souvenirs and the flourishing of tourism in Iran. The present research was carried out by a descriptive and analytical method based on quantitative method with a valid questionnaire and field investigation. Due to the difficulty of reaching European tourists in Iran, a sample of 56 people from among the tourists who were present in Iran (through hotels) and people who had traveled to Iran before (through discussion forums) were surveyed to answer the questionnaire. The results presented that the recommendation of tourists returning from Iran is the most effective motivating factor for others to visit Iran. In other words, "narrative" is the vital section of tourism promotion and this can be enhanced through souvenirs. Also, ornaments were listed as the most attractive souvenirs of Iran, along with Iranian carpets and modernized handicrafts. In the following, factors that can motivate souvenirs were identified and solutions were presented that can be deliberated upon by souvenir designers and tourism product providers.
Research aims:
1. Identifying the motivating factors for traveling to Iran, focusing on souvenirs.
2. The role of souvenirs in narrating and motivating tourism.
Research questions:
1. From the point of view of foreign tourists, what is the effect of souvenirs on the increase of tourism in Iran?
2. What factors are effective in motivating foreign tourists to travel to Iran?
Keywords

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