Tehran Welcomes Tourism Ministers from Nowruz Nations for a Vibrant Cultural Exchange

The recent announcement by Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi-Amiri, marks a significant milestone for tourism in Iran. The first meeting of tourism ministers from countries that celebrate Nowruz will be convened in Tehran. This initiative aims to enhance cultural cooperation across the region and promote international tourism, particularly centered around the ancient festival of Nowruz.

During the 25th meeting of the Cultural Heritage Ministry’s Strategic Council, held on Monday, Salehi-Amiri shared insights on this pivotal gathering. The event included key figures such as Mohammad-Mehdi Imanipur, Director of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, along with senior managers and experts in the fields of culture and tourism.

“We have approved the organization of a meeting for the tourism ministers of Nowruz countries in Tehran,” Salehi-Amiri stated. He emphasized that this gathering is a rare opportunity that could set the stage for a new era of cultural and tourism collaboration among nations that share this ancient tradition.

Nowruz, celebrated by various countries, is recognized as a common heritage and one of humanity’s most enduring rituals. With a history spanning several millennia and its listing on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List, Nowruz has the potential to showcase Iranian culture and foster unity among its celebrants.

Salehi-Amiri highlighted the summit’s goals, stating that it aims to:

• Enhance social vitality within Iran.
• Promote cultural interactions among Nowruz-celebrating nations.
• Encourage sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Protect the historical and spiritual assets of these nations.

One of the primary intentions of this initiative is to establish Nowruz as a globally recognized brand. “Iran, being the origin of this ancient tradition, must take a leading role in advancing cultural tourism across the region,” he added.

To achieve this, the summit will feature various programs, including:

• Specialized meetings focused on Nowruz tourism.
• Training workshops to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Guided tours of historical sites related to Nowruz, such as Persepolis and Pasargadae.

Salehi-Amiri mentioned that the approach will prioritize the Nowruz region to develop cultural tourism effectively. He stressed the importance of a scientific, systematic, and targeted strategy to present Iran’s attractions to an international audience.

Furthermore, the Minister acknowledged the role of prominent cultural figures in enhancing regional cooperation. Experts familiar with the shared cultural heritage will be invited to facilitate the flow of cultural dialogue and studies between Iran and its neighbors.

In a related discussion, Salehi-Amiri addressed the impact of the recent Israeli war on Iran’s tourism efforts. “Our diplomatic approach to attracting tourists has changed significantly due to the conflict,” he noted. “Prior to the war, we actively engaged with countries like Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and even Egypt to boost tourism.”

“However, the war led to a surge in Iranophobia and created a perception of insecurity,” he continued. “Our focus now is on rebuilding trust and combating these negative perceptions.”

Salehi-Amiri expressed optimism about the current situation with Iraq, stating, “Iraqi travelers, both pilgrims and tourists, are now present throughout Iran. Recently, around 80 representatives from our private sector, including agencies, hoteliers, and tour operators, participated in events in Iraq.”

He pointed out that last year, nearly half of Iran’s tourism capacity was attributed to visitors from Iraq and Persian Gulf states, and efforts are underway to rebuild this capacity.

“In the aftermath of the conflict, our goal is to gradually restore the previous tourism conditions within six months,” he added. “We have devised plans to address three scenarios: maintaining the current situation, preparing for potential instability, and returning to stable conditions.”

“Under stable conditions, we anticipate a growth rate of 25%, which would bring the number of tourists to between 8 and 9.5 million,” he mentioned. “If the current situation continues, we expect to return to last year’s figures.”

On the topic of safeguarding ancient sites, Salehi-Amiri assured that “all historical sites are under strict supervision.” He noted that officials are actively monitoring these sites across various provinces.

Deputy Tourism Minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian reported that over 231 projects have been identified across the provinces, with 16 projects approved for funding of up to 8,000 billion rials (approximately $8 million). He highlighted that aligning policies and programs at both national and provincial levels is crucial for effective cooperation.

Additionally, Deputy Cultural Heritage Minister Ali Darabi mentioned the importance of conducting online meetings with provincial representatives and benefactors to facilitate the restoration of historical monuments.

He underscored the necessity of leveraging economic resources to support the protection and restoration of cultural heritage sites. Enhanced collaboration between sectors can catalyze the activation of priority projects across provinces.

In conclusion, the emphasis on innovative investment methods is vital for improving productivity in cultural heritage management, ensuring the sustainable preservation of Iran’s rich historical and cultural monuments.