Iran Aims to Position China as Premier Tourism Partner, Reveals Minister
Iran is set to enhance its tourism sector by establishing China as its primary partner, leveraging the robust trade relations already in place between the two nations. This significant move was announced by Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, during the 21st session of the ministry’s strategic council held in Tehran.
Salehi-Amiri emphasized the need for strategic negotiations between the Iranian and Chinese governments to bolster tourism cooperation. “China is our first partner in trade, and we want it to be our first partner in tourism as well,” he stated, as reported by IRNA.
With approximately 160 million Chinese tourists traveling abroad annually, this figure is projected to soar to 200 million by 2030. Salehi-Amiri expressed the importance of attracting more foreign tourists to Iran, highlighting that this could help safeguard around 1.6 million jobs within the tourism sector. Moreover, sustaining the country’s vast infrastructure is crucial, which includes:
- 22,000 accommodation centers
- 6,000 travel agencies
- 15,000 tour guides
- 3,000 eco-lodges
In identifying potential markets for tourism growth, Salehi-Amiri pointed out that neighboring regions such as Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Persian Gulf, especially Iraq, are priority targets. He also acknowledged the significance of other Islamic nations like Egypt and Indonesia as important markets for tourism expansion.
Recent official data indicates that Iran welcomed 6.2 million foreign tourists in the year 1402 (March 2023 – March 2024), with an anticipated increase to 7.39 million in 1403. Despite these promising figures, the minister noted a setback in June and July due to a 12-day conflict related to the Israeli-imposed war on Iran, which commenced on June 13, 2025.
Under Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan, the government is striving to boost foreign tourist arrivals to 15 million annually. Achieving this goal necessitates an annual growth rate of 19.5%. Salehi-Amiri has also called upon the parliamentary research center to devise proposals aimed at rejuvenating the tourism industry in the aftermath of the recent conflict.
Moreover, the minister highlighted the pivotal role of Iranian expatriates, referring to them as one of the country’s “greatest assets” for social, cultural, and economic development. A framework has been established within the foreign ministry to facilitate the repatriation of Iranians living abroad.
During the meeting, Babak Negahdari, the head of the parliamentary research center, shared insights about the institution’s extensive network. He noted that it is connected to over 17,000 sources of information and produces one of the largest volumes of research globally, second only to the United States. Negahdari also announced that the center has signed an agreement with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences to foster further cooperation.
The collaboration between Iran and China in tourism is a strategic move that promises to enhance not only the tourism sector but also the overall economic landscape of Iran. By focusing on attracting Chinese tourists and leveraging existing relationships, Iran aims to revitalize its tourism industry while creating numerous job opportunities.
As the country progresses with its plans, it remains to be seen how these initiatives will unfold, especially in light of recent challenges. However, the commitment to strengthening ties with China and promoting tourism is a step in the right direction for Iran’s future economic stability.
