Seyyed Mohsen Tabatabaei Mozdabadi
Increasing security and economic growth by developing "night tourism"
The Secretary General of the Iranian Urban Economics Scientific Association wrote in a note: "Developing night tourism not only contributes to economic growth and job creation, but also reduces crime and strengthens social security by increasing the presence of citizens and tourists at night."
According to the Tasnim News Agency social group, Dr. Seyed Mohsen Tabatabaei Mozdabadi, Secretary General of the Iranian Urban Economics Scientific Association, wrote in a note: The development of night tourism as one of the emerging trends in the tourism industry plays a significant role in reducing urban crime rates. This indicates that tourism, in addition to its economic effects, also has profound social and cultural effects on societies. Tourism can be considered a combination of industry and culture; two elements that simultaneously complement each other and play a fundamental role in the sustainable growth of this field.
On the one hand, tourism as an industry plays a pivotal role in the economies of countries and is a source of employment, income generation, and economic growth. Infrastructure, services, and industries related to tourism, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation lines, all reflect the industrial dimension of this field. On the other hand, tourism is a platform for cultural exchange and transmission between nations. Tourists traveling to different regions, while getting to know local cultures, traditions, and customs, transfer part of the tourists' culture to these regions. This cultural exchange provides the basis for strengthening social connections, mutual understanding, and reducing cultural conflicts.
The development of tourism, especially night tourism, in addition to its economic and cultural effects, also has direct and indirect effects on social security. Research shows that in 24-hour cities where tourism activities have expanded to include nighttime hours, the rate of illegal activities and crime is noticeably reduced. The continuous presence of citizens and tourists in the city, increased social surveillance, and the presence of security forces limit the space for crime and strengthen public security. The night economy means doubling the economic capacity of cities. Increased nighttime activities lead to economic prosperity, job creation, and the development of services, which leads to a sense of social security and a reduction in the areas where crime occurs.
Research shows that Isfahan is one of the best options for developing night tourism due to its variety of tourist attractions and global reputation. Among them, three economic, social and physical factors play the most important role in establishing night tourism activities. Creating appropriate infrastructure, expanding night cultural and recreational programs and improving public services are among the factors that help increase the attractiveness of night tourism and improve social security.
The role of urban managers in the development of this area is a key and influential role. Managers can increase the attractiveness of a region by making targeted plans, developing infrastructure and providing quality services. Recognizing local capacities, effective advertising and creating a desirable experience for tourists are among the key factors in increasing the region's income and economic prosperity. Policies that help protect cultural and natural heritage can lead to sustainable tourism development and create long-term positive impacts. Cultural heritage, as part of the historical and cultural identity of societies, plays a key role in attracting tourists and economic development. Principled planning to preserve and revive this heritage, while strengthening cultural identity, provides a platform for the expansion of tourism. In this regard, measures such as creating appropriate infrastructure, providing financial incentives for investment in the tourism sector, and promoting public awareness about the importance of protecting cultural heritage are among the effective tools in this regard.
In recent years, night tourism has been growing rapidly as a new economic and social capacity. Organizing night markets, cultural performances, entertainment events, and lighting historical monuments are among the solutions that many cities have adopted to enhance their nighttime attractiveness. In addition to strengthening the tourism industry, these measures have led to a decrease in unemployment rates, an increase in urban incomes, and strengthening social relations between citizens and tourists.
The increasing interest in new experiences and different adventures has increasingly increased the demand for night tourism. Smart planning in this field, in addition to strengthening the economic position of cities, also leads to improved social security. Continuous night tourism activities keep the space open for the presence of citizens and tourists and increase public supervision. This trend reduces the scope for crime and strengthens the sense of social security.
Finally, the development of night tourism, in addition to increasing the economic capacity of cities, improving infrastructure and attracting investment, has positive effects on social security and reducing crime. The continuous presence of tourists and citizens at night leads to the establishment of social order and an increased sense of security. On the other hand, strengthening cultural tourism and protecting historical heritage pave the way for improving the cultural and social status of cities at the national and international levels. In general, smart planning in the field of night tourism development plays a pivotal role in the sustainable development of societies as an effective solution for economic growth, improving social security and strengthening cultural relations.
