A Study on the Impact of Ethnic Tourism in Increasing Unity in Multicultural Societies:
A Case Study of Baluchis in Iran
AhmadReza Sheikhi1, Agustín Santana Talavera2 and Heredina Fernández Betancort 3
Email:ahmad.sheikhi@gmail.com
Abstract: This study is undertaken in the context of Iran's Baluchistan, an area where a
unique culture is under severe threat. This study aims to present a model showing how
Baluchistan’s ethnic and culture uniqueness might be preserved and, indeed, utilised to
advantage with the deliberately planned introduction and development of ethnic tourism. The
study focuses on the need, in developing such a project, for cooperation and collaboration
between all the main stakeholders. Field research for this study was undertaken from
December 2012 to April 2013 in Iran’s Baluchistan. A wide variety of research methods was
employed during the field work. Questionnaire surveys were conducted with the Baluch
ethnic group and with tourists. For this purpose, a mixed-method approach using multiple
methods strategies will be adopted, with both qualitative and quantitative research techniques
being used in this research.
A conceptual framework was developed to present a comprehensive view of ethnic tourism
planning in the Baluchistan area of Iran. The intention was to identify five key stakeholders
in order to gain an understanding of the differences between them in terms of finding ways to
increase unity in multicultural societies, through developing ethnic tourism within such
societies.
Therefore the framework is to analyse, compare and evaluate, through the use of surveys,
interviews, field observations and study of the policies, plans and statistics, to explore the
idea of the five key stakeholders of this ethnic tourism initiative coming together: the
government, the tourism entrepreneurs, the Baluch ethnic group, the religious leaders and the
tourists.
This paper discusses the positive impact that ethnic tourism might have in helping to increase
a sense of national unity. A detailed discussion in this article explores the positive influence
of this type of tourism may have in helping to resolve the economic, social, cultural and
1. PhD Candidate in Tourism at University of La Laguna
2 .Professor in anthropology at University of La Laguna
3 .Professor in Tourism at University of Las Palmas
political problems of Baluch ethnic group and in moving towards unity in this multicultural
society.
In order to find appropriate solutions, the researcher examined the views of the five key
stakeholders in regard to the central goals of the research. Also, through observation and open
discussion with local people and local and national governments the researcher identified the
challenges. In addition the perspective of the Baluch ethnic group was gauged in terms of its
willingness to welcome tourism and tourism development and in respect to its willingness to
cooperate and participate in jobs related to tourism.
The basic argument of the research is that if the Baluch tribe can contribute positively, it will
mean positive change for the region and mean the creation of an appropriate tourism
destination in Iran.
Evaluation of the research indicated also that with the development of tourism in the
Baluchistan region, the South-East border of Iran with Afghanistan and Pakistan could be
strengthen and economic opportunities can be created for local people and significantly
change for the better the present negative image of the region
The study examines the notion that the development of ethnic tourism can be a driver of
social convergence and social unity in multicultural societies: a critical step towards the
overall development of a cohesive nation or state. The results and findings show that with
collaboration between ethnic tourism stakeholders in the Baluchistan region of Iran, a region
which is rich culturally but poor economically, positive change may well be possible bringing
positive economic, cultural, social, and political change. In addition present security issues
might also be addressed and bridges built to bring unity in this multicultural society.
Results of descriptive statistics showed that the Baluch people are willing to participate in
activities related to ethnic tourism: to present and introduce their local culture and become
involved in economic activities. They will also set about trying to provide security for tourists
in the region in collaboration with members of the Baluch tribes. The findings suggest
however that although the Baluch people are willing to participate they lack real awareness
about the effects of tourism and that some real training would be required to make their
participation effective.
Keywords: Ethnic tourism planning, Increasing unity, Multicultural societies, Ethnic
Culture.