Assessment of the Role of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Policies in Attracting Iraqi Tourists (Case Study Tehran Region One)

Tourism, as an influential component of public diplomacy, contributes to economic growth through job creation and foreign exchange earnings while acting as a cultural bridge that fosters social solidarity, peace, and regional integration. In the context of Iran–Iraq relations, religious tourism holds a distinguished position due to strong cultural, historical, and religious bonds between the two nations. Despite Iran’s significant natural, civilizational, and religious potential, its share in global tourist attraction remains limited due to infrastructural weaknesses, inefficient policymaking, security concerns, managerial shortcomings, and insufficient promotion. This study evaluates the relationship between Iranian tourism policies and the growing presence of Iraqi tourists. Using a descriptive-analytical approach with data collected from experts in tourism, cultural heritage, and foreign affairs, the research applies Likert scales, descriptive statistics, mean tests, and TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making. Findings indicate that Iranian tourism policies have had the greatest impact on religious and health tourism, while ecotourism, cultural tourism, market tourism, and historical tourism show considerably weaker outcomes. The study concludes that strengthening infrastructure, improving public diplomacy, enhancing security cooperation, and implementing coherent, supportive policies are essential to fully utilize Iran’s cross-border tourism capacity with Iraq.