A Phenomenological Study of the Challenges of Benefiting from Neyshabur Cultural Tourism Among Non-Native Female Students

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Assistant Professor, Department of Archeology and History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Neyshabur, Iran

Abstract

Context and Purpose: The present study aims to identify and analyze the challenges of leveraging cultural tourism for non-native female students in the city of Neyshabur from a phenomenological perspective.
Design/methodology/approach: Adopting a descriptive-analytical approach and employing a qualitative methodology within the framework of interpretive phenomenology, this research identifies and analyzes the impediments to cultural tourism for non-native female students residing in dormitories in Neyshabur. Data were collected from a population of 100 individuals within this group using a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising both open and closed-ended questions.
Findings: Data analysis revealed a profound gap between initial awareness and structured access to the city's cultural attractions. Participants' prior familiarity primarily relied on informal communication networks, and a noticeable absence of systematic introduction to these capacities by responsible institutions was observed. Within this context, the university was identified as a key facilitating institution. Targeted group tours, the influence of peers in encouraging repeat visits, and the conversion of experiential learning into cultural engagement were recognized as crucial strategies for enhancing student tourism.
Conclusion: The results emphasize the necessity of redefining the role of institutions, fostering collaboration with cultural heritage bodies to recreate historical narratives, empowering universities to create context-based experiences, and redesigning infrastructure to align with the needs of a young demographic. This is essential to transform the flawed cycle of sporadic visits into sustainable cultural engagement for students.
Originality/value: Adopting a phenomenological approach to the challenges of cultural tourism among female students, both at a macro level and specifically in Neyshabur as a renowned city in this field, is a subject that has not been previously addressed. Consequently, the information obtained has been meticulously examined and is evaluated as possessing content originality.

Keywords

References

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Tourism and hospitality marketing research
Volume 3, Issue 2 - Serial Number 5
Autumn and Winter
September 2025
Pages 115-139

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