Urban Tourism Spaces Management; with an Emphasis on Historical Attractions of Isfahan

Tourism development as a cultural phenomenon develops the cultural exchange opportunities between tourists and host community. Form, structure and construction of public spaces and so on are elements which shape the historical identity of cities and the construction of these buildings and many other urban constructions make urban areas more appealing. Cultural tourism is a move from people to visit cultural attractions with the aim to obtain new information and experience in order to satisfy the cultural needs. Isfahan can be considered as one of the worldʹs major cities and a unique exception due to the body of the city which can be regarded as a valuable solid unit carrying specific thinking and viewpoints. Isfahan is not only a crystallization of a worldview but because of its spatial variation, it is one of the most unique cities with dozens of historical, cultural, religious, and natural attractions. The current attempt is applied developmental. For the cultural- historical tourism analysis of Isfahan, we provided indices in five dimensions of economic, competitive, socio-cultural, facilities and services and attraction. The defined standards and criteria were implemented and evaluated in the AHP model. Results showed that Imam Square (Naghsh-e Jahan) has the first rank and Hasht Behesht (the palace of eight paradises) has the second rank in the historical attractions of Isfahan. Also, based on paired comparisons between criteria, social-cultural criteria and attractions have got the highest priority; thus, they are influential in historical-cultural tourism development.