A Study of the Effects of Tourism on Strengthening National Identity

Tourism has different effects on a wide range of areas; however، most focus has been on its economic and financial consequences whereas its social and political aspects have been neglected up to this time. As a result، because of the importance of the promotion of national identity towards the reconstruction and alsothe future economic and political development of our country، this subject was chosen. It is hoped that discussion of such issues can improve Iran''s position in international relations. In the current article it is argued that by strengthening one of the basic elements of Iranian identity، i. e. history awareness، tourism can have a fundamental role on shaping and deepening national identity among Iranians. Hence، domestic tourism can enhancehistorical awareness among people and can support national identity. The key question of this research is to what extent domestic tourism can deepen and increase the concept of national identity. To answer the main question of research the quality approach has been used and for the data collection the documentary method has been employed. Discussion and Throughout history the basic elements of national identity has been land، geography، government، religion، myths، history، the Persian language and its culture. Among the abovementioned elements، the one which has proved most essential feature amongst all othersis a common background or history and its awareness. A good way to raise the sense of national identity،especially during times of defeats and crises، isthe attempt at finding a refuge in our past history and talking about our past achievements and triumphs. Among the causes which can raise historical awareness، factors such as historical buildings and their objective manifestations from the past legends، myths، collective memory of Iranians and recorded sources of Iran''s history can be mentioned. Definitely tourism industry can acquaint interested individuals to historical buildings and constructions as objective symbols of their past. Currently tourism can play a significant role in the progress of social plans. Accordingly،different countries follow different programs to enhance tourism in order to raise national identity. Studies show that historical awareness through advancing tourism can significantly deepen and increase national identity.