TEHRAN–The development of religious tourism in Islamic countries needs to be reviewed, a tourism expert and scholar has said.

“Muslim countries should examine the development paths of religious tourism,” IRNA quoted Seyyed Rafi Mousavi as saying on Sunday.

Religious tourism is considered a means of cultural interaction between different nations, tribes, and religions, he said.

Besides its cultural, historical, and tourism capacities and attractions, Iran is also known as a Shiite Muslim country in West Asia, which could attract other Muslims, especially Shiites of neighboring countries, he added.

“There are many religious attractions in Iran, from Mashhad to Qom and Shiraz, which are known globally, and other cities in the north, south, and center have religious tourism potential as well.”

However, a comprehensive plan must be developed based on the existing conditions and facilities to boost religious tourism in the county, he noted.

In addition to providing insight and knowledge, travel and tourism can help people discover cultural commonalities with other ethnic groups and other branches of religion as well as increase their understanding of the surrounding environment, he mentioned.

The number of religious tourists is growing, as, in 2018, about 400 million tourists traveled worldwide to visit religious locations and to participate in spiritual and religious rituals, he stated.

One of the greatest examples of religious tourism in the region is the Arbaeen pilgrimage, in which tourists from different communities go through a specific path toward a spiritual destination, he said.

Iran is home to hundreds of shrines, Imamzadehs, mausoleums, churches, and even fire temples amongst other religious destinations which are dedicated to different faiths. Among the top destinations for international tourists to Iran are the religious cities of Mashhad, Qom, Shiraz, and the capital Tehran.

These cities are respectively home to the holy shrines of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam of Shia Muslims; his sister Hazrat Masumeh (SA); his brothers Ahmad and Mohammad; as well as the late founder of the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini.

A unique time for visiting Iran for religious tourists is during the first ten days of the lunar month of Muharram, when Iranians, who are mostly Shia Muslims, hold special ceremonies to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his 72 loyal companions.

ABU/AM