Tehran – The 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industry Exhibition opened this morning in a diverse crowd of senior officials, business leaders, travel enthusiasts and enthusiastic visitors. The grand opening ceremony was attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his tourism minister Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, along with dozens of diplomats and representatives from the travel industry.
At the opening ceremony of the tourism fair, Pezeschkian emphasized the need to promote tourism, strengthen friendly and ties with neighbouring countries. “Only in peace and harmony we can truly host and welcome each other,” he said. “Everyone who visits Iran is a respected guest. By God’s grace, we have a close and deep relationship with all our neighbors. And we will continue to carry this intimacy.”
Furthermore, the Iranian president criticized the spread of false stories about Iran, saying, “It turns out that people come for themselves and that it’s not true that certain courts are saying to Iran. Iran has friendly, loving, and humane people. Every corner of Iran is full of friendly and harmonious, and Iran’s hospitality is exemplary.”
Salehi-Amiri highlighted Iran’s commitment to strengthening the travel industry. Iran has a rich cultural and natural charm worthy of global recognition. The minister emphasized that the exhibition is a step towards attracting more tourists and promoting cooperation between travel businesses. Salehi-Amiri has called it all tourism sector stakeholders, including investors, hoteliers, travel agents and ecotourism operators, as a pillar of Iran’s tourism industry. He said that the ancient land has vast tourist potential and covers all kinds of tourism around the world.
Beyond business and networking, the exhibition creates a festival-like atmosphere, offering samples of live performances, traditional music and local specialties. , religious, natural, rural ecotourism, maritime, agriculture, history, cultural tourism, etc. He added that ecotourism introduces tourists to local culture, lifestyle, habits, outfits and cooking, as a new attraction.
This year’s exhibition will feature hundreds of booths and stands representing all 31 Iranian provinces, each highlighting its unique cultural, historical and natural attractions. Visitors will be welcomed into the hall filled with colorful banners, traditional handicrafts, regional delicacies and interactive displays showing Iran’s rich tourist potential.
From the pristine beaches of Kish Island to the snowy mountains of Alborz, the architectural wonders of Isfahan to the ancient ruins of Persepolis, the exhibition serves as a vibrant window into the tourist landscape of Iran. States such as Yazd, Kerman and Fars have dedicated sections that allow visitors to explore UNESCO-listed heritage sites through digital presentations and guided sessions by local experts.
In an interview with the Tehran Times, Reza, the travel agency representing Yazd’s Tourism Bureau, spoke about the city’s appeal to history enthusiasts. “Yazd has gained a reputation as an architectural gem, and the UNESCO designation as a World Heritage City has steadily increased international tourists. Events like this attract more visitors. I hope it helps.
Beyond traditional tourism, the exhibition presents innovative services to travel technology startups, ecotourism initiatives and hospitality businesses. Companies specializing in digital travel solutions, online booking platforms and adventure tourism have set up booths to introduce new ways to explore Iran.
One of the most visited booths belongs to a startup focused on sustainable tourism. One of the representatives, Marzieh explained the mission behind their project. “We are committed to responsible travel programs that minimize environmental impacts and support our communities. Iran is diverse, from the LUT desert to the lush forests of Gilan. It has a natural beauty. We want to ensure that these places remain protected for future generations.”
Similarly, representatives from the northern province of Mazandaran are promoting eco-lodges surrounded by Hikane forests. “As more people are looking for nature-based experiences, we offer guided tours, country homestays and adventure packages to showcase hidden gems in our area.” said Ali, an exhibitor at the Tourism Bureau in Mazandaran.
The exhibition, held at the Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds, attracted hundreds of public and travel enthusiasts who were keen to plan their next national or international trip. Many participants gathered around a virtual reality booth offering virtual tours of Iran’s main tourist destinations, from Persepol to the Caspian coastline.
Zara, a college student who loves to travel, shared her excitement after trying out a VR tour of Quiche Island. “I never thought Iran would have such a colorful landscape! This exhibition encouraged me to plan a trip to southern Iran.”
Hossein, a retired teacher in Tehran, explored sections of handicrafts and praised the intricate Persian rugs on display. “This exhibition is not just about tourism. It’s about culture and heritage. Every state has something unique to offer, and it makes us appreciate the diversity of our country.”
Following the travel impact of the global pandemic, Iran’s tourism sector is trying to invigorate itself through initiatives like this exhibition. Government officials and industry leaders highlight Iran’s visa facilitation policy and infrastructure improvements, and the importance of strengthening domestic and international tourism.
Additionally, the fair provides a platform for international media representatives, social media impacts, and tourism representatives, with delegations from neighbouring countries such as Iraq, Turkey and Tajikistan taking part in discussions on regional travel cooperation. It’s there.
Beyond business and networking, the exhibition creates a festival-like atmosphere, offering samples of live performances, traditional music and local specialties. The aroma of saffron-infused dishes and freshly baked bread fills the air as visitors move between different halls, stopping the artisans from watching calligraphy, ceramics and miniature paintings.
The main highlight of the exhibition is the live Persian musical performance, attracting a large crowd eager to experience the rich artistic heritage of Iran. “It’s not just an exhibition, it’s a celebration of Iran’s identity,” said Mahdi, a visitor who attended the event with his family. “I came for tourist information, but I’m staying for a great cultural exhibit.”
As the exhibition continues for the next few days, organizers hope that tens of thousands of visitors will explore the venue, interact with exhibitors and participate in scheduled panel discussions on tourism development and industry challenges. Masu.
The successful opening has proven that the 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industry Exhibition is an important event that promotes Iran as a travel destination and promotes business growth within the industry. Participants leave a new appreciation for the pamphlets, new travel ideas and the country’s rich tourism offering.
The exhibition will be open until the closing ceremony on February 14th, offering a wide range of experiences for anyone eager to explore Iran and the wonders of the future.
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