Iran Showcases Its Appeal as a Safe, Family-Friendly Destination at QTM 2025
Iran is making significant strides in promoting tourism in the Persian Gulf region by showcasing itself as a safe, family-friendly, and affordable destination at the recent Qatar Travel Mart (QTM 2025). This initiative aims to attract tourists from Qatar and the surrounding areas by highlighting Iran’s diverse tourism offerings, particularly in health tourism.
According to Ali Bakhtiari, Iran’s Cultural Attaché in Qatar, the country’s health tourism sector is particularly appealing, with a high demand for services such as cosmetic surgeries, heart procedures, and orthopedic treatments. He noted that Iran’s competitive advantages include:
- High-quality services
- Cost-effective solutions
- Geographical proximity
Bakhtiari expressed a desire to collaborate with Qatari clinics and hospitals, emphasizing the need for more organized and reliable routes for health tourism. He mentioned that the exhibition drew considerable interest from Qatar and other Persian Gulf nations, which is currently being followed up.
During the event, Bakhtiari elaborated on the strategies aimed at attracting Qatari tourists, emphasizing Iran’s image as a halal, family-friendly, and affordable travel destination. He described Iran’s presence at the Qatar exhibition as a platform for cultural diplomacy, aimed at fostering stronger ties between the two nations.
Reflecting on last year’s experience, Bakhtiari outlined three specific goals pursued at QTM 2025:
- Positioning Iran as a four-season, family-friendly, halal, and affordable destination for Qatari and regional markets.
- Facilitating connections between Iranian tourism operators and Qatari agencies through business-to-business (B2B) meetings and a joint committee.
- Utilizing the exhibition as a cultural diplomacy stage by showcasing Iranian art, music, and handicrafts in a 15-meter booth, along with in-person programs.
Bakhtiari conveyed a clear message to the Qatari and regional markets, stating: “Our message was that Iran is the closest and most accessible destination for cultural experiences, nature tourism, and health.” For Qatari families seeking a halal, safe, and cost-effective travel option, Iran presents an attractive mix of historical cities, religious sites such as Mashhad, and destinations with lush, cool summers—all within a few hours’ flight from Doha.
This promotional message was reinforced through brochures, videos, and B2B discussions, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts in this regard.
In his discussion, Bakhtiari highlighted the importance of Iran’s geographical diversity, local cuisine, art, and health tourism. He noted that these factors are particularly appealing to tourists from the Persian Gulf, especially attractions in the Fars and Isfahan provinces, which share cultural and historical ties with neighboring countries.
Additionally, the exhibition featured live performances inspired by Iranian carpet motifs, along with traditional music from Hormozgan province. These cultural expressions fostered direct interaction with visitors, transforming the booth into a vibrant stage for cultural dialogue.
Bakhtiari shared insights into promoting lesser-known destinations within Iran. He suggested combining popular attractions with hidden gems into cohesive travel packages, such as pairing Mashhad with the natural beauty of Kalat and Torghabeh or Shiraz with the beaches and music of Bushehr. This approach helps tourists appreciate the diversity of experiences available.
He identified three categories of destinations that particularly attract tourists:
- The green North of Iran and the Hyrcanian forests, known for their refreshing climate.
- Fars province, celebrated for its cultural heritage and literary figures.
- Snowy areas and ski resorts, which remain largely unknown to many regional travelers.
Furthermore, Bakhtiari noted that southern cities with cultural similarities are also of interest to potential tourists. The private sector, in coordination with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, has developed several combined package models designed to cater to the diverse needs of the market and is ready for presentation in Qatar.
During the event, B2B meetings were held with approximately 40 Qatari agencies, focusing on designing three-to-five-day tours, health tourism packages, and cultural and religious excursions. Additionally, the inaugural meeting of the Iran-Qatar Tourism Committee addressed key issues such as joint marketing strategies, visa facilitation, and transportation improvements.
Bakhtiari reported that the Iranian pavilion attracted around 50 professional visitors daily, and about 400 brochures were distributed. He concluded by expressing optimism that with collaborative planning, targeted marketing, and investments in cultural and nature tourism experiences, Iran can significantly enhance its position in the travel market for Qatari citizens.
