ISFAHANG – A five-day major tourist event began in the ancient city of ISFAHANG on Wednesday morning, bringing together 100 tour operators from 25 countries around the world.
The gathering will offer detailed, familiar tours, allowing visitor experts to explore the city’s historic locations and connect with local stakeholders. It also includes discussions on strengthening the local tourism infrastructure and promoting stronger global tourism relations.
This event is very important not only for Isfahan, but also for the broader Iranian tourism industry. With its rich history, stunning architecture and world-renowned arts profession, Isfahan stands as a beacon of cultural tourism.
The event, dubbed the “Isfahan Tour Operator Meeting,” is organized by the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, industry, mining and agriculture, and works closely with several government agencies and the private sector.
In that respect, Mayor of Isfahan Ali Kasemzaed emphasized that a gathering of 100 international tour operators will serve as a major investment in city tourism. He noted that such events promote important interactions between tourism stakeholders, which serve as a driving force behind the development of the sector.
The mayor noted that Isfahan has long been a city of cultural exchange and has attracted travelers and scholars from around the world throughout history.
“The event is seen as a way to maximize the potential of Isfahan’s tourism assets and offers a unique opportunity to strengthen its global position,” Qasemzadeh said.
Deputy Minister of Handicrafts Mariam Jalali de Decordi praised the event for its potential to stimulate Iran’s tourism industry. She emphasized that the assembly not only encourages the country’s tourism, but also introduces new stories that link Iran’s rich handicraft traditions with tourism.
She emphasizes that modern travelers are looking for new and fascinating stories, and Isfahan is perfectly positioned to provide these fresh stories as a city of crafts and culture.
Jalali-Dehkordi also said the event will help dispel misconceptions about Iran and showcase the country’s hospitality, security and unique artistic heritage.
Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, director of investment and economic issues at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, said the event has a key role in dispelling negative perceptions about Iran, particularly in light of recent global media coverage. He emphasized that he will fulfill his goal.
By inviting tour operators from around the world, the event aims to present a true picture of Iran, focusing on the safety, stability and warmth of its people. Sharbafian is essential for tourism experts to shape the global narrative, and their positive experiences in Isfahan counteracting Iranphobia, which has been transmitted by several international media. It has been pointed out that it may be useful.
Additionally, a spokesman for the Ministry of Cultural Heritage in Isfahan emphasized the importance of events in combating the harmful effects of “Iranphobia.”
“With attendees from 25 countries, the event offers an invaluable opportunity for tour operators to experience firsthand the city’s cultural and historic offerings,” the official said.
He says that this event strengthens Isfahan’s global image as a center of cultural preservation, tourism and crafts, while also fighting an unfair political narrative by showing off the true face of Iran. He emphasized that it would be helpful.
The ancient city of Isfahan, which also serves as the capital of the province, is at a crossroads of Iran’s north and east-west trade routes. It reached its peak between the 9th and 18th centuries. During the Safavid era, it became the capital of Iran under Shah Abbas the Great.
Isfahan once stood at a crossroads in Iran’s international trade and diplomacy, but now for good reason it is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations. It is filled with many architectural wonders, including unparalleled Islamic buildings, bazaars, museums, Persian gardens, tree-lined paths and more. It is a city where you walk, get lost in a bazaar, a city where you can doze off in beautiful gardens and meet people.
The Persian proverb “Isfahan Nezuf e Jahan Asto” (Isfahan is half the world) reflects the cultural and historical prominence of the city.
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Photo: International tour operators will take photos in the main courtyard of Jamemesk, UNESCO registered in Isfahan, on the first day of their five-day family tour of ancient Iran on February 19, 2025.