New Paths on Ancient Roads: Advancing Sustainable Tourism and Youth Engagement in the Caravanserai of Isfahan

Heritage has been used in the field of tourism in both natural and cultural contexts. However, with the rapid growth of tourism and modern development, there is an urgent need to balance preservation with the promotion of sustainable tourism practices. There are many Iranian caravanserais that still have some characteristics and have been recorded in the UNESCO world heritage list. This thesis explores the opportunities for developing sustainable tourism in the area of Isfahan's Caravanserai which was inscribed in the UNESCO heritage list in 2023. In particular, the thesis focuses on programs of sustainable tourism that could promote youth engagement on Isfahanian Caravanserai territory. The researches conducted to collect the data used a mixed-methods approach, combining historical analysis, field surveys, and interviews with tourists, local people and local stakeholders, including youth, tourism professionals, and heritage conservation experts. Through the examination and analysis of relevant data, key questions have been addressed concerning of preservation and promotion of Isfahan’s ancient roads by inspiring future generation and how to enhance these locations through engagement of young people with their cultural heritage have been concluded.