Governor-General Urges International Tour Operators to Showcase Isfahan’s Serenity and Peace to the Globe

ISFAHAN – In an impressive gathering focused on boosting global tourism relations, Isfahan province’s governor-general, Mehdi Jamalinejad, delivered a compelling keynote address to over 100 tour operators and travel professionals from 25 different countries on Wednesday evening. This event marks a significant step towards promoting Isfahan as a premier tourist destination, showcasing the city’s tranquility and beauty.

During his speech, Jamalinejad encouraged the tour operators to become ambassadors of Isfahan’s spirit, emphasizing the city’s renowned hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and history of peaceful coexistence. He stated, “We want you to help us represent a true, peaceful face of Isfahan to the world. The city’s history of serenity and harmony is something that should be shared globally.”

The grand event took place at the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce’s conference center and serves as the official launch for a five-day major initiative welcoming about 100 international tour operators for a familiarization (fam) tour, alongside a series of B2B meetings to explore tourism cooperation opportunities.

In addition to his welcoming remarks, Governor Jamalinejad highlighted the vast cultural offerings of Isfahan province, mentioning the existence of 22,000 unique historical, natural, and cultural attractions. Notably, the city is home to over 1,200 invaluable historical sites, each representing Iran’s unparalleled architectural heritage. He remarked, “Isfahan is not just a city; it is a living museum,” referencing iconic landmarks such as:

• Naqsh-e Jahan Square
• Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
• Khaju Bridge

Amir Keshani, the president of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, reinforced the city’s longstanding reputation as a symbol of interfaith peace and cooperation. He emphasized that Isfahan’s legacy extends beyond its architecture and includes its status as a center for craftsmanship.

The governor-general further revealed that Isfahan is home to over 4,500 artisanal workshops, more than any other city globally. The rich heritage of traditional arts, such as carpet weaving, pottery, and metalwork, stands as a testament to Isfahan’s historical significance. He stated, “Isfahan’s artisans are the soul of our culture, and we are proud to continue this legacy.”

Jamalinejad also pointed out that Isfahan holds prestigious international titles, including being named the “Cultural Capital of the Islamic World” in 2006 and set to be recognized as the “Tourism Capital of Asian Cities” in 2025. He emphasized the city’s potential to attract a diverse range of tourists, including those interested in cultural, geo-tourism, agricultural, and health tourism, highlighting its appeal to both leisure and business visitors.

Other key figures at the event underlined the importance of Isfahan’s rich history, diverse culture, and unique artisanship in attracting international visitors. Keshani invited the tour operators to explore Isfahan’s unique historical sites, where various religious communities, including Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, have coexisted peacefully for centuries.

“Isfahan is a city of peace, and for centuries, people from various faiths have coexisted peacefully. There has never been a recorded conflict among the followers of different religions here,” Keshani noted. He welcomed the visitors warmly, describing Isfahan as a place that embodies respect, friendship, and mutual understanding.

Mojgan Izadi, chairperson of the Tourism, Handicrafts, and Carpet Commission of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of presenting a different image of Iran to the world. She stated, “In this gathering, we are proud to host participants from over 22 countries to present the true face of Isfahan, a clear-cut contrast to the often-negative portrayal of Iran in the media.”

During her remarks, Izadi described Isfahan as not just a city, but a representative of Iranian culture, art, and history. She invited guests to immerse themselves in the city’s ambiance and witness its enduring beauty firsthand.

Izadi also shared findings from a study comparing the cultural heritage and tourist attractions of Isfahan and Paris. For instance, the study drew parallels between the famous Champs-Élysées in Paris and Isfahan’s Chahar Bagh Street.

The five-day event, titled “Isfahan Tour Operator Meeting,” is organized by the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, in collaboration with several governmental bodies and the private sector. This initiative aims to foster deeper collaboration between Iranian tourism professionals and international counterparts, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing Isfahan’s status as a global tourism destination.

As the event progresses with various tours and business meetings, one message becomes clear: Isfahan is not only a city rich in history but a vibrant symbol of cultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence, ready to welcome the world with open arms.

AM

Photo: Isfahan province’s governor-general, Mehdi Jamalinejad, addresses an audience of over 100 tour operators and travel insiders from 25 countries in the ancient city of Isfahan, February 19, 2025.