Tehran – Iran’s Deputy Minister of Tourism Anuvan Moseni Bampi emphasizes ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts to enhance tourism and promote travel for Iranian expatriates and foreign visitors.
As part of these initiatives, Minister Seyedrezarezare Haiamiri has set up tourism advisory offices in some countries in discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Talking to the IRNA, Mohseni-Bandpey noted that around 8-9 million Iranians live abroad and that a strategic and trust building approach is necessary to attract them to visit them, whether it is sightseeing or long-term.
The Deputy Tourism Minister acknowledged that negative portrayals by the US and its allies had influenced perceptions of travel to Iran. However, the High Council on Iran’s Issues overseas and the Ministry of Tourism are actively working to remove barriers and encourage Iranian expatriates to visit their homelands.
“The ministry has outlined several strategies to boost tourism, including the establishment of Tourism Advisory Bureaus in major countries to counter the misinformation and promote Iran’s rich cultural and natural attractions. The goal is for both Iran and international tourists to engage in efforts to challenge the misconceptions of Iran and its diverse tourism products.”
Mohseni-Bandpey further emphasized the importance of tourism diplomacy and stated that active participation in international tourism exhibitions is a priority. Additionally, the ministry plans to submit special tourism proposals to the Iranian Issues Council overseas. “One important initiative is to encourage tour operators to design travel packages exclusively for first- to fourth-generation Iranian expatriates, allowing them to reconnect with their heritage through short-term leisure visits.”
The main focus of Iran’s tourism policy under the 14th government is to strengthen relations with countries that share cultural and historical ties, including the field of Knowledge civilization, the Persian Gulf region, and people from the populated countries such as China and India. The ministry aims to create favorable conditions for hosting both foreign visitors and Iranian expatriates.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Moseni Bumpy emphasized the steady growth of tourist arrivals in recent years. In 1402 (as stated in March 2023), Iran experienced a significant increase in international visitors compared to the previous year. By the first ten months of 1403, the country was already welcoming 6.3 million tourists. This matches the previous year’s totals. With continued efforts by tour operators, travel agents, hotel associations and other stakeholders in the tourism industry, the forecast suggests a further increase in arrivals.
Iran boasts a wide range of tourist attractions, including religious sites, health tourism facilities, natural landscapes, ecotourism opportunities, and historical and cultural heritage. Mohseni-Bandpey has expressed optimism that by expanding the tourism sector, one of the key drivers of economic, social, cultural and political development, Iran will achieve its long-term goal of attracting 15 million annual tourists, as outlined in the country’s national development plan.
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