This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.
The 6th Ministerial Meeting on Tourism organized by the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held in Erzurum, designated as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2025. Tourism leaders from nine ECO Member States discussed strategies to enhance regional tourism cooperation. ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan emphasized tourism’s role in regional integration, while Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, highlighted Turkey’s tourism achievements. Future ECO Tourism Capitals were designated: Lahore (2027), Mary (2028), and Karakol (2029). The meeting culminated in the “Erzurum Declaration,” promoting sustainable tourism development and the launch of the ECO Tourism Investment Guide to attract investments.
Mashhad, Iran’s holiest city, anticipates a surge of 6.5 to 7 million pilgrims during the last ten days of Safar. Governor Gholamhossein Mozaffari highlighted the city’s readiness to provide organized services, drawing on past experiences. The expected attendance is nearly double that of Iranians participating in the Arbaeen ceremonies in Iraq. Preparations include over 850,000 overnight accommodations and community involvement, with residents hosting visitors. Road safety measures have also been prioritized. The pilgrimage to Imam Reza’s shrine, recognized as a national cultural heritage, underscores Mashhad’s growing significance as a spiritual destination for Shia Muslims during this sacred period.
Iran is set to host a gastronomy conference celebrating its rich culinary heritage linked to the ancient Silk Road. Recognized for its food diversity, Iran aims to showcase its culinary treasures through various initiatives, including courses on Iranian restaurants at Florida Atlantic University and collaborations with institutions like the Kish Institute of Science and Technology. The event will also unveil an Iran Culinary Tourism Atlas and promote global culinary exchanges. Babareza noted that despite its rich cuisine, Iran lacks global recognition, prompting a project to highlight traditional dishes through a “UNESCO Culinary and Gastronomy Caravan,” culminating in Chabahar.
During a recent event at the Sa’dabad Historical Complex, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, emphasized women’s crucial role in the tourism sector, noting they occupy 30-40% of hotel management positions and contribute significantly to ecotourism and travel agency operations. He advocated for gender equality in government roles and highlighted the positive outcomes when women are trusted with responsibilities. Vice President Zahra Behrouz-Azar also spoke about the importance of family bonding during travel and women’s historical significance in Iranian society. Together, they called for recognition of women’s contributions to promote an inclusive and equitable tourism industry.
Transport and Urban Development Minister Farzaneh Sadegh emphasized the need for collaboration between the transport and tourism sectors to revitalize Iran’s historical urban areas and enhance public transport. She highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism practices and the preservation of cultural heritage, urging swift action to address urban challenges in historical neighborhoods. Sadegh proposed a joint task force for road, rail, and aviation sectors to boost tourism, while also promoting increased funding and private sector support. She expressed optimism that these initiatives would position Iran as a leading global destination for travelers, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Iran’s economic future will focus on a sea-based economy, as emphasized by Cultural Heritage Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri. He highlighted the significance of coastal regions in national development and outlined plans for balanced growth, sustainable employment, and enhancing marine tourism, which currently contributes less than 2% to the economy. The government aims to allocate $340 million for tourism projects and support artisans and ecotourism operators, potentially creating over 26,000 jobs. Additionally, Ali Abdolalizadeh stressed the need for institutional coordination among agencies to streamline operations in the maritime sector and protect Iran’s coastal natural assets for future development.