Advanced Journal of Management, Humanity and Social Science

Abstract Domestic tourism has emerged as a critical pillar for economic resilience in Iran, especially amid international sanctions and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the role of experiential accommodations, including boutique hotels and restored traditional houses, in promoting domestic tourism in Kashan City, a UNESCO-recognized historical hub. Using a mixed-methods approach, secondary data on tourism trends were analyzed alongside qualitative insights from case studies of local accommodations. Findings indicate that experiential offerings enhance visitor engagement, cultural immersion, and loyalty among Iranian travelers. The study introduces a Heritage Experiential Index linking sensory, emotional, intellectual, and social dimensions of stays to domestic tourism growth. Results reveal that experiential accommodations contributed to a 15–20% increase in domestic visitor stays between 2022 and 2024, highlighting their economic and cultural significance. Implications include the need for policy support to scale such models nationally and for marketing strategies integrating digital experiential promotion. This research provides a novel framework for applying experiential marketing theories in the Iranian context and offers actionable insights for tourism managers and policymakers aiming to strengthen domestic tourism.

Abstract This article examines the principal legal, constitutional and practical obstacles to recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in the Islamic Republic of Iran, focusing on the twin concepts of public order (ordre public) and national sovereignty. Iran’s accession to the 1958 New York Convention in 2001 and the enactment of domestic arbitration legislation modelled on the UNCITRAL Model Law have, in principle, created a framework conducive to enforcement; however, constitutional constraints, state practice and policy considerations repeatedly complicate implementation. Central among obstacles is Article 139 of the Iranian Constitution, which conditions referral or settlement of disputes concerning public or state property to the approval of the Council of Ministers and—where foreigners are parties—to parliamentary notification or approval, thereby limiting the arbitrability and enforceability of awards touching on public/state assets. Courts applying the public-order exception under the New York Convention and domestic procedural rules have at times invoked Article 139 or broad public policy concerns to deny recognition or to delay enforcement; recent jurisprudence from Iran’s Supreme Court (2024) evidences incremental clarification but does not eliminate uncertainty. Other enforcement hurdles include ambiguities in statutory definitions (e.g., what counts as “international” or “public” property), procedural barriers (jurisdictional review, limited discovery, availability of interim measures), state immunity claims, and the impact of extrajudicial factors such as international sanctions and political relations. The article analyses doctrinal debates, major statutory provisions, representative case law and evolving administrative practice, and proposes targeted reforms—statutory clarifications, issuance of implementing regulations, internal approval protocols for Article 139 matters, judicial training, and treaty-level initiatives—to reconcile Iran’s commitment to arbitral enforcement with legitimate public-order and sovereignty concerns while improving predictability for foreign investors and creditors.

Abstract Background: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention on reducing anxiety and improving the quality of life among clients of counseling centers in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a pre-test/post-test design and a control group was employed. The statistical population comprised all clients who referred to counseling centers in Shiraz between January 2025 (Dey 1403) and July 2025 (Tir 1404). From an initial pool of 80 individuals who completed screening questionnaires, 40 participants with the highest anxiety scores and lowest QoL scores were selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=20).

Results: The results of the MANCOVA indicated a statistically significant difference between the two groups on the combined dependent variables (Wilks' Lambda, F=85.2, p<0.0001, η²=0.14). Subsequent ANCOVA analyses revealed that the mindfulness intervention led to a significant reduction in anxiety levels in the experimental group compared to the control group (F=53.72, p<0.0001, η²=0.59). Similarly, a significant improvement in quality of life scores was observed in the experimental group (F=24.76, p<0.0001, η²=0.40).

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention is highly effective in reducing anxiety and enhancing the quality of life among clients seeking psychological services in Shiraz. These results support the integration of mindfulness training into routine clinical practice in counseling and mental health centers as a powerful tool for promoting psychological well-being and overall life satisfaction.