Leveraging technology, handicrafts to enrich cultural heritage tourism
During the recent visit of Deputy President for Science and Technology Hossein Afshin to Khuzestan Province, an excellent opportunity arose to discuss and emphasize the necessity of linking technology, cultural heritage, and tourism — a subject that has the potential to create a fundamental transformation in this industry at both provincial and national levels.
In this meeting, the importance of utilizing modern technologies to transform the tourism industry was underscored. Afshin announced an agreement with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts aimed at developing technological tourism in Khuzestan Province. He noted that the intended development model, while generating wealth, also prioritizes environmental protection, economic diversity, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
One of the key topics emphasized during this session was the vital role of technology in transforming the tourism industry and in restoring historical artifacts. Contrary to common misconceptions, tourism is not merely limited to booking accommodations and tickets; rather, technology can serve as a powerful tool for storytelling, preservation, and the creative presentation of cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the discussion addressed the potentials of handicrafts and the challenges faced in marketing and sustaining them. Afshin emphasized the role of creative industries as a bridge between innovation and heritage. By combining creativity with modern technologies, it is possible to pave the way for international markets for Iranian products. Handicraft houses also have a crucial role to play in this journey; these centers, akin to growth centers for knowledge-based companies, can provide platforms for the flourishing of artistic businesses and handicrafts.
Despite these significant potentials, Khuzestan Province faces serious challenges in leveraging knowledge-based infrastructure. Infrastructural weaknesses have hindered the province’s Science and Technology Park, which, despite its vast local capacities, suffers from minimal facilities. Meanwhile, the innovation and creativity embedded in Iran’s cultural heritage and handicrafts are supported by a rich knowledge base and historical resources, which can enhance the country’s standing in the international arena.
The application of technology in these areas can be remarkably diverse, ranging from manufacturing technologies in handicrafts to the use of artificial intelligence for restoring artifacts, digitizing historical heritage, employing blockchain for registering artifacts, and designing specialized interactive museums according to global standards.
In this context, joint cooperation between the Presidential Department for Science and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage can establish a foundation for the emergence of major technological players in related fields, opening a new path in the discourse surrounding development based on identity and cultural economy. Achieving this goal will transform Khuzestan Province into a model for sustainable development founded on heritage and innovation within the country.