Arvand Free Zone Set to Transform into Premier Medical and Marine Tourism Destination
In a significant move to enhance tourism in Iran, the Head of the Tourism Commission of the Iranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mostafa Mousavi, emphasized the need for a stronger role of the private sector in tourism policy-making. This initiative is aimed at fostering sustainable development in the tourism sector while transforming the Arvand Free Zone into a prominent hub for health, marine, and commercial tourism in the southern Persian Gulf.
Mousavi articulated the commission’s vision during an interview with ISNA, stating, “Our priority is to improve the role of the private sector in tourism policy-making based on the Seventh National Development Plan. In fact, we seek to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem which boosts the local economy, employment, and sustainable income and puts Iran on the regional and international tourism map.”
The Arvand Free Zone is rich in historical, cultural, and commercial assets, making it an ideal candidate to evolve into a significant center for health, marine, and regional tourism, he added. The implementation of this program is structured across three critical dimensions:
- Infrastructural Development
- Product Enhancement
- Regional and International Collaboration
On the topic of health tourism, Mousavi noted that the region has the potential to attract foreign patients, particularly from Iraq and Kuwait. “Based on the statistics, annually over two million foreign patients come to Iran for medical treatment,” he explained. This influx of medical tourists is expected to generate jobs and create sustainable income streams for the local community.
Moreover, Mousavi proposed the establishment of collaborative projects with Basra and Kuwait to position Arvand as the tourism axis in the southern Persian Gulf. This initiative would encompass various forms of tourism, including medical, commercial, and cultural tours, ultimately yielding substantial economic benefits for the region.
He further highlighted that promoting tourism in less-developed areas can help distribute economic opportunities more evenly and reduce migration to larger cities. “Every unit of investment in rural tourism or eco-tourism can generate more jobs than similar sectors and boost the local economy,” he added.
Additionally, Mousavi revealed ongoing plans to create a network of cooperation among free tourism zones, including Arvand, Kish, Qeshm, and other regions. At the international level, negotiations are currently underway with the Chambers of Commerce of Iraq and Kuwait to facilitate combined health and business tours, as well as marine and cultural tourism. These partnerships are anticipated to lead to economic prosperity, job creation, and enhanced cultural and trade diplomacy, while also presenting new investment opportunities.
Recognizing the importance of technology in modern tourism, Mousavi pointed out three primary areas of focus:
- Digital Marketing: Targeting a presence in both domestic and foreign markets.
- Smart Platforms: Developing systems for booking and selling tourism services.
- Data Analysis: Managing tourism data and capacity effectively.
“Our goal is to create smart and digital tourism in Iran to improve both the tourist experience and productivity,” he stated.
Key performance indicators in this initiative include:
- Increasing the share of tourism in Iran’s GDP.
- Attracting new capital investments.
- Enhancing employment and income levels in less-privileged areas.
- Improving Iran’s standing in the regional and international tourism markets.
If these objectives are successfully achieved, and if private sector stakeholders feel their contributions and concerns are acknowledged, Mousavi believes the commission will have effectively fulfilled its mission. This would pave the way for the sustainable development of tourism in Iran, marking a significant milestone for the nation.
