Iran Set to Showcase Tourism Opportunities at Major ACD Member States Exhibition

TEHRAN – In a significant development for the tourism sector, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, recently engaged in a productive meeting with Nasser Al-Mutairi, the Secretary-General of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). This meeting took place during the 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition. The focus was on promoting tourism potential among ACD member states, a vital aspect of Iran’s strategy to enhance its position as a premier travel destination.

During the meeting, Salehi-Amiri shared ambitious plans to host a major tourism exhibition in Tehran specifically for ACD member countries. He described this upcoming event as a prime opportunity to showcase the rich tourism potential of these nations. The meeting also addressed the need to reschedule the ACD summit, which was originally scheduled to take place in Yazd last year.

Salehi-Amiri took the opportunity to highlight Iran’s extensive historical and cultural heritage. He noted that the country boasts:

• Over one million historical sites
• More than 40,000 nationally registered monuments
• 28 UNESCO World Heritage labels

In further remarks, he emphasized the value of Iran’s rich civilization and cultural assets, asserting that the nation’s untapped archaeological treasures are of greater worth than the oil and mineral wealth found in many other countries.

Regarding Iran’s tourism strategy, Salehi-Amiri identified the 13 countries within the UNESCO-designated Nowruz cultural sphere as the primary focus for tourism development. He also pointed out that the Persian Gulf littoral states are a secondary priority. His ambitious target is to attract 15 million foreign tourists in the near future, with expectations that tourism arrivals would exceed 7 million and potentially reach 8 million by the end of the current Iranian calendar year on March 20.

In a reciprocal acknowledgment, Al-Mutairi recognized Iran’s significant potential in tourism and its cultural appeal. He highlighted the importance of collaboration within this sector, stressing that the presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the exhibition’s opening ceremony underscored the event’s importance.

Al-Mutairi also noted Iran’s attractiveness as a destination for Muslim travelers, especially in religious cities like Mashhad, which frequently welcome international pilgrims. He expressed confidence that Iran could emerge as a key destination for Muslim families, thanks to its rich cultural and religious offerings.

The Asia Cooperation Dialogue, established in 2002 in Cha-Am, Thailand, aims to enhance regional integration and cooperation among Asian governments and organizations. This meeting between Iran’s cultural minister and the ACD Secretary-General marks a pivotal moment in promoting tourism and cultural exchange among member states.

As the world continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, Iran’s proactive approach to tourism development and cultural exchange positions it as a valuable player in the international travel market. By leveraging its rich history and cultural assets, Iran is set to attract a diverse array of tourists looking to explore its heritage and natural beauty.

In conclusion, the meeting between Salehi-Amiri and Al-Mutairi not only reflects Iran’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector but also highlights the importance of regional cooperation in achieving mutual goals. With plans for a dedicated tourism exhibition and a focus on attracting millions of tourists, Iran is poised to become a significant hub for cultural tourism in Asia.