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This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
Iran’s Deputy Tourism Minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian announced the exemption of land use change fees for investors at the Ardabil International Investment Conference, aiming to enhance tourism investment. This decision eliminates previous fees that hindered projects and encourages growth in the sector. Shalbafian highlighted comprehensive policies, including reduced project costs, support for private sector participation, and sustainable tourism practices. Currently, 2,748 tourism projects are underway, significantly boosting job creation. The government also exempted customs duties on tourism equipment imports. Ardabil province, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, is positioned as a promising destination for investors in Iran’s growing tourism market.
Iran’s tourism minister, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, emphasized the strong cultural and economic ties between Iran and China during an interview at the AIM Congress 2025 in the UAE. Highlighting the historical significance of the Silk Road, he noted the potential for further collaboration in tourism, including language education, media productions, cultural exhibitions, artist exchanges, and the restoration of historical sites. With China as Iran’s largest trading partner, both countries aim to enhance tourism infrastructure and attract international visitors, particularly from China. Salehi-Amiri also mentioned the role of digital tourism and social media in promoting Iran’s cultural heritage, signaling a new era of cooperation.
A rare 17th-century Iranian tile panel, a prime example of Safavid artistry, will be publicly displayed for the first time in two decades at V&A Dundee in Scotland. This exquisite artwork, composed of 114 painted tiles and originally from the Haft Dast Palace, showcases a lush garden scene dating back to Shah Abbas II’s reign (1642–1666). The panel will be part of the exhibition “Garden Futures: Designing With Nature,” opening May 17, following extensive conservation by National Museums Scotland. Curator James Wylie describes it as a “masterpiece,” highlighting the cultural significance of gardens in ancient Iran as symbols of paradise and power.
Shiraz, Iran, is becoming a prominent center for medical tourism, attracting patients from neighboring countries due to its advanced healthcare facilities and specialized medical teams. The city has implemented a centralized health tourism system to streamline services for international patients, offering access to licensed hospitals, travel services, and professional guides. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the industry, with a robust mechanism for addressing complaints. Oman is particularly interested in collaborating with Shiraz to encourage its patients to seek treatment there. Iran’s broader strategy aims to generate €6 billion annually from medical tourism, positioning the country as a healthcare hub in West Asia.
In southeastern Iran, the ancient tradition of honoring qanats, subterranean aqueducts critical for life in arid regions, has been revitalized after fifty years. The city of Bam recently celebrated the National Day of Qanats with a ceremony featuring flower casting and rosewater sprinkling over the waters, coinciding with the peak flow period post-Nowruz. This revival, initiated in 2022, emphasizes the importance of preserving qanats, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Participants expressed gratitude for ancestral knowledge, aiming to instill appreciation in younger generations while highlighting the qanats’ cultural significance and their role in sustainable water management.
The tourism event “Mazandaran, the Green Gateway of Iran” has launched, attracting international tourism professionals and influencers from countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Organized to showcase Mazandaran’s tourism potential, the event features a familiarization tour highlighting the province’s attractions, with a focus on enhancing “tourism diplomacy.” Deputy Governor Mohammad-Ebrahim Toulaei emphasized Mazandaran’s strategic location and cultural ties as key to regional collaboration. The six-day program includes visits to various sites and discussions on joint tourism routes. Notably, the ancient village of Kandelous has been recognized as one of the world’s top tourism villages for 2025, underscoring the region’s rich heritage and eco-friendly tourism potential.