Holy Defense Tourism Development: Identification and Total Structural-Interpretive Modeling of Effective Factors
Subject Areas :
Mohsen Niazi
1
,
Zahra Saemi
2
,
Zahra Sadeqi-Arani
3
1 - 1- Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan
2 - 2- Master’s Student in Social Science Research, Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kashan, Kashan
3 - 3- Associate Professor, Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of financial science, Management and Entrepreneurship, University of Kashan, Kashan
Keywords: religious tourism, Holy Defense Tourism, Total Structural-Interpretive Modeling (TISM), MICMAC Analysis,
Abstract :
The present study aims to identify the factors influencing the acceptance and expansion of Holy Defense tourism and to propose a TISM for achieving a holistic and systematic perspective on this subject. To achieve this goal, after reviewing related studies, the key factors affecting the acceptance and growth of religious tourism, particularly Holy Defense tourism, were identified. Then, by employing purposive sampling of experts and collecting questionnaire responses, a self-interaction matrix was developed using the TISM method. Next, the relationships among these factors were analyzed, and the hierarchical structuring of the variables was conducted. Finally, through MICMAC analysis, variables were categorized based on their influence and dependency levels. The results of the TISM ranked 15 key factors influencing the development of Holy Defense tourism across four levels. Among these, “political stability,” “authenticity and integrity,” “safety and security,” and “economic conditions” were recognized as the most influential factors, positioned at the third and fourth levels. Additionally, based on the MICMAC analysis, most of the variables were identified as linking factors, while only three, namely, “safety and security,” “political stability,” and “economic conditions”, were classified as independent and key variables. Policymakers can promote Holy Defense tourism by organizing joint tours and inviting international tourists to visit these historical sites. This not only helps preserve the cultural authenticity of these locations but also enhances tourism attraction efforts. Furthermore, providing well-documented and scholarly narratives through expert guides and credible multimedia content can offer visitors a richer and more immersive experience.
