The role of tourism on sustainable urban development(Case Study: Mashhad city)

Today sustainability is a major part of the new world order. In recent years theconcept of sustainable development has been emphasized by experts and officials asthis concept is based on maintaining the future standards of living in comparison towhat we have today. Now, we know that we cannot take advantage of the environmentas we did in the past. Sustainable tourism development is a kind of tourism that resultsin the management of all resources and meets the needs of tourists and the host societywithout endangering the future generations. The city of Mashhad with a population isthe second largest city in the country and the second largest religious city in the world.Because of the blessings of the 8th Imam of Shiite Muslims whose holy shrine islocated in the centre of the city many pilgrims from all over the world visit this cityevery year. Unofficial statistics show that 20 million national and international visitorstravel to this city every year. This has resulted in the development of tourist industryand its infrastructure in addition to urban development and a flourishing economy. Inaddition to religious attractions, Mashhad has many other historical, natural, business,educational and health potentials that promote tourism and lengthen the duration ofstay of tourists. Therefore, alongside the major aim of this study which is recognizingthe place of tourism in sustainable urban development, an attempt has been made toidentify the place of tourism in Mashhad and its relationship with urban developmentand present strategies for sustainable development in religious tourism activities.The research hypotheses have been proposed according the aims of the research andquestions. An attempt has been made to address all aspects of religious tourismplanning in this city. The results show that the main urban potential of Mashhad isreligious tourism which has influenced all aspects of the city. Following sustainabilityprincipals and its standards, religious tourism can lead to urban development inMashhad in the long run and can play a role as a lasting necessity in the social,economical, cultural and environmental life of this city.