Definition of child tourism
Children's tourism is a type of tourism that, in addition to visiting tourist attractions that are attractive to children, also emphasizes education. Child-friendly tourism, or child tourism, is one of the types of healthy tourism, during which children go on a trip without risk and without the presence of parents, and guides and teachers take care of children instead of parents. Summer camps or children's pre-song camps are one of the most common types of child tourism. Travel and tourism for children is like a school where sociality, respect for nature, as well as a sense of curiosity and friendship with different cultures are strengthened in them. Gaining new experiences, managing difficult situations, being independent, learning and getting to know different cultures and languages, especially the tourist spots of a city, province or country and knowing their history are among the benefits of child tourism.
Why should we care about child tourism?
Research on children and their travel memories shows that they seek new entertainment, new experiences, new destinations and unseen places. Children care more about "having fun" and "having new experiences" in tourism. It is interesting to know that based on what the statistics say, most children in travel and tourism are looking for nature tourism and discovering the unknown.
Also, since the population of children is very large and they include almost 21% of Iran's population (about 18 million people), this type of tourism should be given great importance. Among the reasons that can be stated about the importance of child tourism are:
The role of children in the future market: When children are introduced to tourism from an early age, they can become loyal travelers for various tourism destinations in the future and increase interest in this market and its prosperity.
Children's influence on parents' decisions: Without a doubt, children influence parents' decisions. For this reason, by focusing on children's tourism and increasing their interest in travel, the number of travelers to a tourist destination can be increased.
Considering these cases and the large population of children in Iran, the importance of the child tourism market cannot be ignored.
Impact of child tourism on families
Beyond all of this, along with the positive impact that travel has on children's mental health, child tourism also has countless benefits, among which the following can be mentioned: Traveling and nurturing children's minds Acquaintance of children with other cultures Cultural and social development of the child Increasing decision-making and responsibility skills Strengthening family relationships with child tourism Traveling and increasing parents' awareness about understanding children's interests by participating in various activities
What should be considered when child tourism?
Child tourism also has its own types. It is interesting to know that most of the countries that have given importance to child tourism have been able to turn this branch into one of the most prosperous branches of the tourism market. As mentioned, according to the definition of UNICEF, child tourism has important indicators, which are:
There is enough space for children to move around
Provision of rest space and all amenities for children
The presence of green space in the desired tourist destination
Providing the necessary facilities for children with disabilities
Child safety in the desired tourist destination (no feeling of fear, assault, etc.)
Safety of facilities
Creating a suitable environment for fun, group activities and strengthening children's communication with each other through various educational activities
Cleanliness of the desired place
How is Children's Tourism held?
Child tourism is without the presence of parents and it can be organized in different ways according to the destination or duration and purpose of the trip.
Time: In terms of time, half-day, one-day, or two-day tours to nearby destinations where children live can be a good start. Sometimes children's tours even include longer days. In these tours, the focus is often on getting to know nature and culture, so choosing ecotourism accommodations or camping in safe environments is the best choice for this type of tours.
Purpose: Depending on the purpose of the trip, children's tours include historical-cultural and nature tours. In cultural trips, the effort is to get to know the historical monuments, clothes and local culture and socialize with local people. Museums are also one of the best choices for this category of children's tours. There are also different types of nature tours, some of which include: wildlife tours (safari and visiting zoos), environmental tours focusing on ways to protect nature, etc.
What are the characteristics of child tourism tours?
Focusing on what children want and families have in mind, one of the types of tourism tours can be organized with the following features. Note that the safety and existence of children's insurance is always a priority in these trips.
Focus on making good memories
The different, attractive and interesting nature of the tour and its features for children (for example, performing light and sound shows in historical buildings)
Education and adventure together
The presence of the child's caregiver and trainer in the tours
Saving time on tours and their non-uniformity (children have little patience, be careful about this.)