Iran has the potential to develop child tourism as a specialised segment of its travel industry, creating new tourism products and generating additional demand for accommodation, transport, attractions and other services, according to tourism expert Ziba Jahangir.
Unlike conventional family tourism, child tourism places children’s interests and developmental needs at the centre of travel planning. Experiences are designed around learning, play, safety and active participation, while parents remain an integral part of the journey, as reported by Tehran Times, a partner of TV BRICS.
Jahangir noted that children can influence key family travel decisions, including the choice of destination, attractions, length of stay and activities. Developing services specifically for younger travellers could therefore contribute to a broader and more diverse tourism economy.
Iran’s museums, archaeological sites, historic cities and villages, traditional bazaars, deserts and forests could provide a foundation for the sector without requiring the construction of entirely new attractions. Existing destinations could instead be adapted through storytelling, educational games, interactive programmes and information designed for different age groups.
Museums and heritage sites, in particular, could introduce specialised programmes that combine education and entertainment. Guides trained to work with children could make historical and cultural attractions more accessible to younger audiences.
Developing the sector would also require dedicated standards for infrastructure and services. According to Jahangir, child-friendly destinations should provide safe and accessible facilities, appropriate sanitation, healthy food, clean water and access to medical services. Routes suitable for families with pushchairs and accommodation adapted to children’s needs are also important.
Tourism services would need to reflect significant differences between age groups rather than treating all children as a single category. Professional guides should have knowledge of child development, communication, first aid and emergency management alongside conventional tourism skills.
Jahangir also stressed the importance of involving children in the development of tourism experiences by considering what they find interesting, enjoyable or difficult.