TEHRAN–Tehran’s University of Science and Culture is getting prepared to hold a conference on tourism and spirituality in mid-March 2023.

According to organizers, the 4th International Conference on Tourism and Spirituality will be revolving around “spiritual health” as the focal theme for the academic event.

The university has invited experts to submit their articles on spiritual health for the youth, family, and society; psychological approaches to tourism, and spiritual health by December 21.

Religious tourism, which marks one of the oldest forms of traveling, is strongly motivated by spiritual reasons. In fact, historical places of worship around the world tend to appear on the bucket lists of many travelers. From isolated sanctuaries in the heart of the rocky mountains to the most visited sites in bustling cities, Iran embraces inspiring centers of worship that draw devotees from all around the world.

The country hosts hundreds of shrines, Imamzadehs, mausoleums, churches, and even fire temples amongst other religious destinations which are dedicated to different faiths.

On the list of must-see religious attractions in Iran is the Holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS); the enigmatic Zoroastrian Towers of Silence; Nasir al-Molk Mosque; Vank Cathedral; the shrine of Shah Cheragh; and Jamkaran Mosque, to name a few.

In addition, the country seeks sustainable health tourism by producing and cultivating medicinal herbs. Recent decades have seen a growing interest in medicinal plants and the traditional knowledge of their usage to some extent that some believe the drugs of the future might come from the past.

Due to the side effects of synthetic drugs, herbal products and the desire for multilateral use of these plants in various pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries are becoming more and more popular again. And such a trend steps up demands for potentially important tourist attractions.

That is why rural destinations with medicinal herb resources are becoming increasingly popular in Iran and many other countries, especially as a part of alternative medicine.

The country enjoys exceptional biological and landscape diversity, a huge, untapped potential that could help to improve the tourism offering. Of the 8,425 species of herbs identified in the country, 2,300 are medicinal, aromatic, and cosmetic properties, according to data provided by the Forests, Ranges, and Watershed Management Organization.

AM