Innovative and Technological Marine Tourism: Successful Global Experiences and Development Opportunities in Iran

Hasani Asyabdareh, Yasamin; Moonesun, Mohammad

doi:10.22034/jmstsd.2026.578696.1001

Innovative and Technological Marine Tourism: Successful Global Experiences and Development Opportunities in Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Reviewer Paper

Authors

Yasamin Hasani Asyabdareh ¹

Mohammad Moonesun ²

¹ Ph.D. Candidate in Civil Engineering, Coastal, Port, and Marine Structures, Tarbiat Modares University, IRAN

² Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology

10.22034/jmstsd.2026.578696.1001

Abstract

Marine tourism is the primary driver and fundamental impetus for the economic growth of many coastal countries worldwide. In Iran, owing to its extensive coastal regions in both the north and south, its rich cultural heritage, and unspoiled natural landscapes, there exist enormous potential opportunities for developing marine tourism yet many of these remain largely untapped. In order to raise awareness of these latent opportunities and to learn from the experiences of leading nations in marine tourism, this paper examines several common areas of marine tourism activities practiced around the world and proposes that such experiences be adapted to boost marine tourism and the blue economy in Iran. The study reviews successful global experiences and offers strategies for localizing these experiences within the Iranian context. By surveying international examples in fields such as repurposing oil platforms, developing coastal urban icons, and creating underwater restaurants, recommendations are provided for a sustainable, community focused, and resilient marine tourism industry in Iran. For each of these areas, several proposals for potential implementation within Iran are introduced.

Keywords

Coastal and Marine Tourism

Sustainable Blue Economy

Iranian Coastlines

Urban Coastal Icons

Oil Platforms

Subjects