The role of archaeological museums in the distribution of tourists in cultural destinationsthe Iran National Archaeological Museum: a case study

Resumen

Museums are one of the most important tourism attractions due to their popularity among visitors, both foreign and internal. In archaeological museums, tourists are able to familiarize themselves with a country’s history and culture, instilling a sense of patriotism in native visitors, while introducing a nation’s character and cultural heritage to foreigners. In this research we study the effect archaeological museums have on tourism distribution in cultural destinations. For this purpose, two questionnaire forms were developed in a conceptual research model, each for internal and international tourists. After testing the questionnaires on ten people to ensure the effectiveness of the data collected, the forms were handed out to 120 international tourists and 300 internal tourists visiting the Iran National Archaeological Museum. The results of this research show that this museum plays an essential role in spreading an understanding of Iran’s history and culture, and in the process, improving national pride for internal tourists and introducing many cultural and historical sites throughout the country for foreign tourists, generating business for the country’s major cultural tourism destinations