TEHRAN – The International Forum on Urban Tourism, originally scheduled to be held in Tehran from June 24-25, was officially postponed due to escalating regional tensions following Israeli attacks in Iran earlier this month.
The event marking the first forum for UN tourism exclusively for urban tourism was scheduled to take place in the cultural and tourist areas of Abbasabad, the main development hub belonging to the Tehran Municipality. Preparations for the forum have been underway for over a year, with efforts at the entire diplomatic, scientific and technical level involved positioning Tehran as a host city.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran, the forum was intended to project a contemporary image of Tehran and provide an opportunity to promote the values of Iran and Islamic civilization at a global stage. The ministry emphasized the importance of the event to shape international awareness of the Iranian capital and promote dialogue on urban tourism.
In its statement, the ministry vehemently condemned the attacks, calling them a confusion of “malicious aggression” and “highly popular national effort.” Israel and its allies accused them of trying to undermine Iran’s image and peaceful initiatives at the global stage.
Iranian officials expressed optimism that the forum will be held at a later date under improved conditions. “We will continue to work hard with greater determination,” the ministry said it has pledged to reschedule the event through increased planning and international cooperation.
“We believe that by holding this event, we can present a more modern and constructive image of Metropolis Tehran, the beautiful and lovely capital of Islamic Republic of Iran, and send a new message to the world that aligns with the ideals of Islamic Iranian civilization,” reads part of the statement.
No new dates for the forum have been announced, and UN tourism has yet to issue an official statement regarding the postponement.
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