TEHRAN – Tourism authorities in Mazandaran province hosted tour operators and social media influencers from Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan this week as part of a program aimed at promoting Iran’s image and showcasing the region’s tourism capabilities.
Hossein Izadi, director of the state Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, said the initiative aims to present an “accurate” picture of Iran.
“It is an important task for us to properly present Iran to the world,” Izadi said in a meeting with visitors.
He said portraying Mazandaran’s natural and historical assets can counteract negative perceptions of the country.
Izadi said Mazandaran’s varied climate and its historical and natural attractions offer opportunities for different types of tourism. He added that new investments and internationally acclaimed hotels have strengthened the state’s readiness to receive foreign tourists. “This is part of a broader effort to create a realistic image of Iran for international visitors.”
Mohammad Ebrahim Toulaei, Deputy Governor of Mazandaran, also expressed his hope that this event will support tourism diplomacy in northern Iran. “This is aimed at demonstrating the state’s tourism capabilities at a transnational level,” he said.
Mr. Touray said that Mazandaran’s location on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and cultural ties with CIS countries makes it suitable as a base for regional cooperation. He said the event combines cultural, economic and media activities to present a realistic image of the state.
He said the six-day tour will include visits to various parts of eastern, central and western Mazandaran, as well as meetings on possible joint tourism routes. He described the event as a platform to expand cooperation in health tourism, ecotourism and green economy.
Mazandaran’s tourist attractions include mountain ranges, forests, beaches, and more than 800 registered historical and cultural sites. The village of Canderos was recently named among the 52 best tourist villages in the world in 2025 for its cultural heritage and sustainable tourism record.
morning