Critical Evaluation of the Tourism Policy in National Basic Documents and Laws of Iran

Nowadays, tourism is one of the major strategies and plans for development in different countries. In recent years, the tourism industry has had the highest incomes and employments among the various industries in the world. Therefore, it has taken a large part of the global economy. Its abundant economic opportunities and advantages as well as the positive effects of cultural, social, political and security of tourism have led almost all governments in different countries seek to activate the tourism industry based on their attractions. So, the world is witnessing the globalization of tourism. Iran is one of the first countries that legislated law for tourism development in Middle East and Asia from 80 years ago. The tourism industry in Iran has affected in the past by politics part. Iran's national documents and laws are one of the factors that can determine tourism situation in Iran. This article surveyed the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, The Future Outlook of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Horizon of the 2025, the document of the comprehensive scientific map of Iran, the plans of five-annual development (five programs from first to fifth) and law of establishing cultural heritage tourism organization. We used container analysis method. The results of the research show that the tourism has been less considered by policy makers and planners of the Islamic Republic of Iran and they have considered a kind of limited domestic tourism with a minimalistic and cultural viewpoint.