Qom Set to Transform into a Premier Tourism Hub in Just Five Years, Announces Minister

Qom province is poised to achieve special status in both domestic and foreign tourism within the next five years. This ambitious plan is set to unfold through the expansion of infrastructure, support for the private sector, and a commitment to stable management, as outlined by Cultural Heritage Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri.

During the inauguration of the Avaye Qom Hotel on Wednesday, Salehi-Amiri highlighted the province’s potential, stating: “Our first visit to the province’s industrial and production capacities was at the Chamber of Commerce; the exhibitions demonstrate the significant development of the industrial, commercial, and tourism infrastructure, and promises a bright future for investment and economic growth in Qom province.”

Among the notable developments is a new recreational complex. Salehi-Amiri remarked: “This project, with an area of 11,000 square meters and an investment of 4,500 billion rials ($4.5 million) from the private sector, will provide a recreational and invigorating space for young people and will meet some of the needs of the younger generation.”

The Avaye Qom Hotel, which boasts a modern design and private investment, offers 100 beds. The minister noted that this three-star hotel reflects the expanding tourism infrastructure in the province. He stated: “This hotel, with its architecture and regular layout, creates a suitable experience for domestic and foreign tourists.”

Salehi-Amiri expressed his gratitude to the Qom Governor-General for contributing to the province’s infrastructure development and for activating various unfinished projects. He emphasized the importance of the governor-general’s deep understanding of the tourism sector and his successful track record in this area.

With its rich cultural heritage and handicraft potential, Qom is positioned to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, becoming one of Iran’s key tourism hubs. According to Salehi-Amiri, Qom has the potential to become a major pilgrimage destination, rivaling Mashhad and Shiraz.

To successfully attract tourists, he stressed that the development of infrastructure is crucial. He stated: “Tourists must have appropriate accommodation, welfare services, and recreational facilities, and this is not possible without the participation and investment of the private sector.”

Regarding government initiatives in tourism, Salehi-Amiri mentioned the Seventh Plan, which aims for an annual growth rate of 25 to 30 percent in Qom’s tourism sector. He believes that with the cooperation of provincial administration and investors, this ambitious target can be met.

The minister highlighted the pilgrimage areas, notably Jamkaran and the holy shrine of Hazrat Masoumeh (SA), which possess the capacity to draw millions of domestic and foreign tourists. He indicated that infrastructure projects are progressing in partnership with the private sector.

Reflecting on last year’s statistics, Salehi-Amiri noted that approximately 7.4 million foreign tourists visited Iran. With strategic planning, they aim to increase the number of Iraqi tourists to five million, collaborating with the Iraqi Minister to achieve this goal.

He also mentioned the activation of Qom Airport, which will facilitate the direct arrival of tourists from Persian Gulf countries and other regions. This development is expected to position Qom as a secondary destination for domestic and pilgrimage travel.

Salehi-Amiri concluded: “Today’s visit to the province’s industrial and tourism projects and discussions with investors indicate rapid growth and tangible changes in the city, lifestyle and architecture of Qom, and this conveys a clear message of the province’s progress to the government.”

• Infrastructure Development: Essential for attracting tourists.
• Private Sector Involvement: Critical for providing necessary accommodations and services.
• Tourism Growth Target: Annual growth of 25-30% set by the Seventh Plan.
• Key Pilgrimage Sites: Jamkaran and Hazrat Masoumeh shrine can attract millions.
• Improved Accessibility: Activation of Qom Airport for direct international tourism.

With these developments, Qom is on the path to becoming a prominent destination for tourism in Iran, merging modern facilities with its rich cultural heritage.