TEHRAN — Iran is taking significant steps to promote tourism in the Persian Gulf region by highlighting its profile as a safe, family-friendly and affordable destination on Qatar Travel Mart (QTM 2025).
Ali Bakhtiari, Iran’s cultural attaché in Qatar, explained the capabilities of Iran’s health tourism sector in the Qatari market, with cosmetic surgery being the most in demand along with eye, cardiac and orthopedic surgery, ISNA reported.
“In introducing this sector, quality of services, cost and geographical proximity were highlighted as competitive advantages. There was a desire to collaborate with clinics and hospitals in Qatar, but a more organized and reliable channel is needed. At the exhibition, inquiries and interests from Qatar and other Persian Gulf countries were registered and are being followed up.”
He referred to the cultural programs and strategies for attracting Qatari tourists through the event, spoke about the Iranian tourism sector’s efforts to present itself as a halal, family-friendly, affordable and close-by destination, and considered Iran’s presence at the Qatar exhibition as an arena for cultural diplomacy.
Bakhtiari explained that, based on last year’s experience, three specific goals were pursued: to present Iran as a four-season, family-friendly, halal and affordable destination for Qatari and regional markets; to connect Iranian tourism activists to Qatar’s network of agents and operators through business-to-business (B2B) meetings and joint committees; and to use the exhibition as a stage for cultural diplomacy by displaying art, music and handicrafts in 15-meter booths. Face-to-face program.
Regarding Iran’s message to Qatar and the regional market, Bakhtiari said, “Our message was that Iran is the closest and most accessible destination for cultural experiences, natural tourism and health.” For Qatari families looking for a halal, safe and low-cost destination, Iran offers a combination of historic cities, religious cities such as Mashhad, and cool, green summer natural destinations, all within a few hours’ flight from Doha, he added.
This message is repeated in brochures, videos, and B2B conversations and needs to be continually reinforced.
The Iranian Cultural Attaché in Qatar further stated, “We emphasized geographical diversity, Iran’s food, art and health tourism. These factors are attractive for tourists in the Persian Gulf, especially in Fars and Isfahan provinces, which have cultural and historical similarities with countries in the region.”
He mentioned a live performance of paintings inspired by Iranian carpet motifs, as well as a performance of music and rituals from Hormozgan province that he received from visitors. He added that the presence of master painters and southern music groups stimulated direct interaction among visitors, turning the booth space into a stage for cultural dialogue.
“We have considered solutions to introduce lesser-known places. One of the solutions is to combine well-known and new destinations in the form of a combined package, for example the nature of Mashhad and Qalat and Tolgabe, or the beaches and music of Shiraz and Bushehr. Introducing similar tourist attractions and local celebrities will also help to increase the understanding of tourists.”
He further said that there are three destinations that are attractive to tourists. Namely, the Hyrcanian Forest as a symbol of the lush northern part of Iran and cool air, the Fars province with its cultural ties and literary celebrities, and the snow country and ski resorts unknown to many regional audiences. Culturally similar cities in the south are also interesting, he added.
He said the private sector, in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, has presented several composite packaging models that meet the diverse needs of the market and is preparing them for presentation in Qatar.
Qatar’s cultural advisor to Iran said that B2B meetings were held with around 40 Qatari government agencies and the focus of negotiations was on organizing three- to five-day tours, health tourism packages, and cultural and religious tours.
Also, issues such as joint marketing, visa facilitation, and transportation were raised at the first meeting of the Iran-Qatar Tourism Committee.
Bakhtiari also said that at least 50 experts visited the Iran Pavilion every day and about 400 booklets and pamphlets were distributed. He concluded that through joint planning, targeted marketing, and investment in cultural and natural tourism experiences, Iran can rapidly improve its position in the tourism market for Qatari citizens.
KD