The Role of Handicrafts in Tourism and Development

The Role of Handicrafts in Tourism and Development

Handicrafts are part of the tangible cultural heritage of all nations. This cultural component can lead to economic development. Regarding the role of handicrafts in tourism and development, the World Crafts Council (WCC), affiliated with UNESCO, was founded in 1964 to help economic growth for craftspeople worldwide.

The Core of Tourism

Handicrafts, as cultural souvenirs, play a significant role in tourism too. In many countries, handicrafts are considered the core of tourism development, and tourism facilities have been built near the major production centers. Some try to show their originality and identity by offering new products made through a combination of their national symbols with their handicrafts.

Iranian Handicrafts

Handicraft is a significant industry in Iran. The tours to Iran usually include buying Persian handicrafts, especially Persian carpets and Persian miniatures. The Iranian handicraft industry is developing due to its great diversity. “Different countries are developing handicrafts worldwide by not underestimating them as just decorative objects,” said Rasoul Zargarpour, governor of the Isfahan Province.
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The Role of Handicrafts in Tourism and Development

Persian Enameling, a majestic expression of art

Towards International Markets

He said that special attention is dedicated to handicrafts, especially in rural areas, by making rules for handicrafts in Iran’s 6th Development Plan. He also noted that the development of handicrafts has a significant role in employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Establishing large handicraft workshops and knowledge-based centers for handicrafts, forming export committees, finding new markets, and making targeted policies to encourage more producers to be active in international markets should be among our programs.

Handicrafts and Tourism

“Tourism and handicrafts are two main elements in resistance economy. Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the center of genuine handicrafts. Last year, Shahreza was registered nationally as the city of pottery. Moreover, Mehr Gerd Village is going to be introduced as the village of handicrafts in the world”, Jafar Jafarsalehi, deputy head of the handicraft department of Isfahan ICHTO, added. There is a mutual relationship between tourism and handicrafts. Handicrafts are one of the factors influencing tourist attractions, and tourism development will end in the growth of handicraft production and sale.

Tourism and Development

Balochi Duzi, a kind of Iranian handicraft

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From 2016 to March 2017, 6 million tourists travelled to Iran

From 2016 to March 2017, 6 million tourists travelled to Iran

From 2016 to 2017, 6 million tourists traveled to Iran. The statistics in comparison to the previous year is indicative of the fact that an increase of more than %30 in the number of tourists who traveled to Iran. Asqar Qahari- the Director of Tourism Department of Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture- mentioned that comparing to the previous year, the tourist arrival has increased more than 2 million. He also stated that more tourists would travel to Iran if the infrastructures needed for accommodation were prepared.

Iran has 21 sites registered on the World Heritage List of UNESCO; therefore, it is an amazing travel destination. Travel and Tour World (TTW) which is a travel trade media also introduces Iran as a Must-Visit-travel- destination.

Since the 2013 election of President Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s tourism has noticeably experienced an increase in international tourists’ arrival. Moreover, the experts believe that the tourism industry of Iran will have a boost in the following years; however, it depends on the true realization of its tourism potential.

Iran is hopeful to host 20 million tourists, spending $30 billion by 2025. To achieve the purpose, it has provided new hotels, offered better services, and facilitated the process of issuing visas. To indicate the hopeful future of tourism in Iran, Mr. M. Ali Vaghefi- the managing director of Iran Doostan Tours Co.-  also declared that comparing to the last year, the number of international tourists traveling to Iran in April and May 2017 has considerably increased.

the increase of international tourists' arrival to Iran in 2017                                                 The increase of international tourists’ arrival in Iran in 2017

Moreover, regarding the annual report of WTTC titled” travel and tourism economic impact 2017- Iran”, the number of international tourists who travel to Iran would reach approximately 10 million by 2027. Consequently, Iran would earn about $5.2 billion.