Role of family travel in community development
One of the most unforgettable experiences is family travel; it’s an adventure filled with conversations, paths traversed, sights admired, souvenirs collected, and new friends and attractions discovered. It also embodies the assurance we share, allowing us to navigate the sweetness, fatigue, and patience of the journey together, supporting one another.
Regarding the significance of family travel, Mehran Hassani, a tourism researcher, believes these trips not only strengthen emotional and social bonds but also play a crucial role in the economic, social, and cultural development of Iranian society. With effective planning and investment, such journeys can significantly contribute to achieving sustainable development goals and improving the quality of life for Iranians, chtn.ir wrote.
He noted that in Iranian society, families, as primary consumer groups while traveling, enhance local community income by purchasing handicrafts, staying in hotels, dining at local eateries, and more. Furthermore, such trips encourage domestic tourism, as families opt to explore various regions of Iran rather than traveling abroad, which positively impacts the preservation of financial resources within the country.
Hassani, a member of the Association of Tourism Experts, regards the social dimension of family trip as an opportunity for deeper interaction among relatives, allowing for more conversation, recreation, and group activities. During these excursions, individuals can create unique shared experiences while exploring natural, historical, and cultural sites, leading to stronger bonds. Additionally, research indicates that communal activities during travels help lower psychological stress and enhance the overall quality of life for family members.
He emphasized the importance of fostering connections between families on these journeys, noting that such interactions can strengthen unity and cohesion within the community. Organizing the tourism events and festivals, where different households can exchange experiences, further promotes social solidarity.
Hassani also highlighted the cultural value of family travel, pointing out that it enables parents to introduce their children to the diverse customs and traditions of various regions. This exposure not only educates the younger generation about Iranian history and art but also reinforces their cultural identity through these enriching encounters.
He continued that another benefit of such group trips is that families gain insight into environmental challenges, cultural heritage, handicrafts, and related issues. By raising awareness, they can take essential steps to protect these resources.
Hassani emphasized that notable challenges and opportunities exist for enacting meaningful change in family travel. To achieve these goals, it is important to design tours with a “multigenerational” approach, catering to the needs of all members, from children to seniors. Such programs can offer diverse activities, including engaging entertainment for kids, educational experiences for teenagers, and uplifting, calming activities for older adults.
He also noted that these tours could be thematic, featuring artistic itineraries that include visits to creative handicraft workshops and explorations of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, as well as health and nature therapy excursions with stays in natural settings aimed at enhancing mental well-being.
Referring to the main features of family travel packages, he noted their variety and affordability, which enhance satisfaction and encourage family participation in domestic trips.
He proposed the development of a family tourism application that could offer information on suitable routes, family-friendly accommodations, attractions designed for families, and special tour recommendations.
Users would be able to share their travel experiences and gain insights from others. Additionally, with the widespread use of technology and high internet access, families can save on both travel costs and time.
Hassani also highlighted the role of media in producing documentary, narrative, and educational content, such as clips, visual reports, series, and short films. He asserted that these artistic formats, focusing on family-friendly destinations and their benefits, would likely be well-received due to the country’s strong household culture, acting as a catalyst for promoting a family-oriented travel ethos.