1 Million Pilgrims Welcome: Deputy Minister Announces New Housing Opportunities in the Holy City of Mashhad

In a significant announcement for travelers and pilgrims, the Deputy Tourism Minister, Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpei, revealed plans to accommodate up to one million people in the holy city of Mashhad, located in Khorasan Razavi province. This initiative coincides with the solemn observances during the last days of Safar, marking the anniversary of the demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as well as the martyrdom of Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Reza (AS).

During a meeting focused on enhancing travel services, Mohseni Bandpei emphasized the importance of providing exceptional support and facilities for pilgrims visiting Mashhad and nearby provinces. He stated, “During the upcoming holidays, pilgrims will travel to the holy city of Mashhad and the provinces along the route, including Semnan, Golestan, North Khorasan, South Khorasan, and Sistan-Baluchestan. We anticipate a high volume of travel due to these coinciding holidays.”

Here are key highlights from the meeting:

• Accommodation Readiness: The minister mentioned that they aim to provide accommodation for one million individuals each day. Official residences, including hotels and hotel apartments, currently offer around 273,000 beds.
• Additional Capacity: In addition to hotel accommodations, 375,000 beds in government facilities such as schools and pilgrimage centers will be utilized to support the influx of pilgrims.
• Eco-tourism Initiatives: Active eco-lodges in the six provinces of Khorasan Razavi, North Khorasan, South Khorasan, Semnan, Golestan, and Sistan-Baluchestan are prepared to offer discounts and services to pilgrims.

The National Travel System, accessible via the number 09629 under the Touring & Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran (TACI), will play a crucial role in guiding tourists. This system is designed to provide essential information, handle complaints, and communicate directly with travelers. It can offer insights that aid pilgrims in their decision-making processes, such as:

• Introducing new travel routes
• Providing the latest information on emergency accommodations

“We should cooperate during the upcoming peak travel periods,” Mohseni Bandpei urged. He stressed the need for all administrative institutions to work together to minimize road accidents and ensure the satisfaction of tourists and pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS).

During the meeting, managers from the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Departments also contributed by presenting their reports online. They detailed their accommodation capacities and expressed their commitment to effectively host tourists and pilgrims during the mourning period at the end of Safar.

The webinar included participation from various provinces such as Khorasan Razavi, North Khorasan, South Khorasan, Semnan, Golestan, Sistan-Baluchestan, Gilan, and Mazandaran. Each representative from the Central Headquarters for Travel Services Coordination provided insights into their plans and measures to support pilgrims and tourists.

Key measures discussed included:

• Price Control: Ensuring fair pricing for services provided to pilgrims.
• Transport Coordination: Directing transport fleets to busy routes to facilitate smooth travel.
• Increased Travel Frequency: Enhancing flight routes and train schedules to Mashhad to accommodate the influx.
• Joint Surveillance Patrols: Collaborating on service unit inspections, ensuring safety and health services along travel routes.
• Encouraging Driver Stops: Establishing processions and information bases to encourage drivers to take necessary breaks along their journey.

This coordinated effort aims not only to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims but also to enhance their overall travel experience. By prioritizing the needs of travelers during this significant mourning period, the authorities hope to foster a welcoming and respectful environment for all who visit the holy city.