10.57647/j.ccd.2025.0803.18

The Role of Religious Tourism on Urban Development & Infrastructure in the Historical Centers of the City (Case study: Boshruyeh)

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  • Hossein Balali1,
  • Ahmad Esteghlal*2,
  1. Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Iran
  2. Faculty of Art and Architecture, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran

Received: 2024-07-30

Revised: 2024-09-30

Accepted: 2024-11-09

Published in Issue 2025-09-30

Copyright (c) 2025 Hossein Balali, Ahmad Esteghlal (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Balali, H., & Esteghlal, A. (2025). The Role of Religious Tourism on Urban Development & Infrastructure in the Historical Centers of the City (Case study: Boshruyeh). Creative City Design, 8(3). https://doi.org/10.57647/j.ccd.2025.0803.18
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Abstract

Aims: The aim of this research is to investigate and identify the key factors influencing religious tourism in historical cities, with a focus on how these factors can contribute to urban development. Specifically, the study seeks to explore the role of historical centers in increasing tourism in a sustainable manner that benefits both the local community and future generations.

Methodology: This study employs a comprehensive methodology that includes the use of a detailed questionnaire and analysis of recent scholarly articles. Data collected from these sources are analyzed through thematic analysis using MAXQDA software. The research also involves mapping the relationships and influential variables related to religious tourism and urban development, emphasizing variables such as cultural sensitivity, educational campaigns, community involvement, and transportation systems.

Findings: The findings highlight several critical factors affecting religious tourism and urban development, including cultural sensitivity, awareness campaigns, community engagement, and transportation infrastructure. The analysis shows that leveraging historical centers can significantly enhance tourism growth when these factors are prioritized and managed effectively, leading to more sustainable urban development.

Conclusion: The study concludes that historical centers have substantial potential to boost religious tourism and support urban development. By focusing on key variables identified through thematic analysis, such as cultural sensitivity, education, community participation, and transportation, urban planners and policymakers can maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing negative impacts, thereby fostering sustainable development in historical cities.

Keywords

  • Tourism,
  • Religious Tourism,
  • Urban Development,
  • Urban Infrastructure,
  • Historical Centers
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