Exploring beyond the surface: Geofenced storytelling in Isfahan's tourism experience

Abstract

Geofenced storytelling integrates location-based services with cultural tourism, offering interactive experiences that enhance visitor engagement. This study examines its application in Isfahan, Iran, a city known for its rich heritage and architecture. While mainstream tourism highlights famous landmarks, it often neglects artisanal workshops, historic neighborhoods, and everyday traditions. This research explores how geofenced storytelling shapes visitor movement, cultural engagement, and tourism experiences. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines ethnographic fieldwork with quantitative analysis of user interactions. Findings show that tourists engaging with geofenced narratives are 60 % more likely to visit lesser-known cultural sites, fostering decentralized and participatory tourism. Visitors emphasize the role of immersive storytelling in strengthening their sense of place. However, challenges include geolocation accuracy, content curation, and balancing local representation with visitor expectations. This study situates geofenced storytelling within broader debates on digital placemaking, participatory tourism, and sustainable heritage management. While digital tools can enhance cultural interpretation and diversify tourism experiences, their effectiveness depends on inclusive content, local collaboration, and integration into tourism policies. The findings provide valuable insights for researchers, tourism professionals, and policymakers seeking to leverage digital storytelling for community-driven, responsible cultural tourism.