آناهیتا محمدی

Tourism, particularly cultural tourism, has the potential to create new opportunities for knowledge, development, and sustainability, playing a crucial role in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of nations. In this context, identifying and effectively utilizing local tourism resources is essential for the growth of this industry. This study examines the role of museums in fostering the development of cultural tourism in Tehran, focusing on the interactions among factors influencing this process. A qualitative research approach is employed, incorporating content analysis and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) techniques. The findings draw on the perspectives of cultural tourism experts, professionals from the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization, and museum managers. The results highlight that the role of museums in preserving Tehran's historical and cultural artifacts, along with the architecture and design of museums in attracting tourists, has a significant influence with low dependence. Conversely, factors such as the connection of museums to Tehran's history and culture, their educational and cultural impact on attracting tourists, their role in presenting Tehran to cultural visitors, and their contribution to national and cultural identity exhibit both high influence and high dependence. Moreover, the role of museums in promoting cultural identity, the thematic diversity of museum content, the representation of local handicrafts and arts, the enhancement of cultural exchanges, the development of organizational culture, and the increase in public awareness of cultural values also show high influence and dependence. However, the factor of enhancing the mindset of cultural tourists demonstrates low influence but high dependence.