Tourism Ministry Showcases Global Partnerships and Domestic Revitalization Initiatives

TEHRAN – The Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts recently held a press conference to discuss its significant achievements in cultural preservation, international heritage registration, and domestic restoration initiatives. The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation with Iranians living abroad and neighboring countries.

In his address, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, underscored the government’s dedication to strengthening connections with the Iranian diaspora. He stated, “One of President Masoud Pezeshkian’s main concerns is enhancing relations with the Iranian diaspora. We have taken significant steps and now aim to utilize their scientific, cultural, and economic capacities.”

Salehi-Amiri announced the formation of a Supreme Council for Iranians Abroad, which includes specialized commissions focused on tourism and Iranian studies. He emphasized, “Our approach is paternal, supportive, and trust-building,” noting the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among Iranians worldwide.

To further engage the younger generation of Iranians abroad, a special commission has been established to help them reconnect with their heritage through immersive cultural experiences in their homeland.

International Collaboration on Cultural Heritage

During the conference, Salehi-Amiri also discussed a collaborative effort regarding the Masnavi, a renowned poetic work by Rumi. He explained, “Turkey initially claimed priority due to older manuscripts and the location of Rumi’s school in Konya. UNESCO recommended a joint registration, which we agreed to avoid cultural disputes and benefit from shared heritage.” He noted that Afghanistan’s inclusion was accepted due to Balkh’s significance in Rumi’s life, resulting in a trilateral file for the Masnavi as a shared cultural treasure.

Domestic Restoration Efforts

On the domestic front, Salehi-Amiri highlighted ongoing restoration projects in historic sites such as Sialk and Dehdasht. He explained, “We have negotiated with the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development to provide compensatory lands and are working with local authorities and residents to complete restoration projects by the end of 2026.”

Ali Darabi, the deputy minister for cultural heritage, reported a notable increase in registered cultural sites and museums. He stated, “The number of museums has risen from 725 to 856, reflecting expanded cultural infrastructure.” Currently, 29 sites are registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

• 673 immovable heritage sites have been registered domestically, with a target of 950 by the end of the current development plan.
• Ongoing work involves defining protective boundaries for historic sites and compensating property owners in collaboration with other ministries.

Boosting Tourism and Local Communities

Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpei, the deputy minister for tourism, shared that nearly 400 tourism events and festivals have been organized across the nation this year. He stated, “We aim to utilize all provinces’ capacities, not just major cities like Isfahan and Mashhad.” New initiatives include providing soft loans to empower local communities and designating three villages as model tourism villages.

Maryam Jalali-Dehkordi, the deputy minister for handicrafts, emphasized the significance of rural exhibitions and decentralization policies. She mentioned ongoing exhibitions and restoration projects, including the reopening of a restored building in Zahedan province as a handicraft site. Additionally, she discussed collaborations with the Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology and the upcoming national exhibitions in Ardabil, along with major development projects planned for Isfahan and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces.

Reviving Cultural Traditions

Cultural advisor Mohammd-Javad Haqshenas spoke about the importance of the Mehregan Celebration, describing it as “a great festival inherited from our ancestors, symbolizing gratitude.” He noted the festival’s increasing visibility in the media and the ministry’s efforts to include Mehregan alongside Nowruz in the national cultural calendar. Furthermore, he announced the formation of a Cultural Council within the ministry to coordinate cultural activities and revive national and religious traditions.

Tourism Statistics and Future Prospects

Recent data indicates that approximately 7.3 million foreign tourists visited Iran during the past Persian year 1403, which concluded on March 20, 2025. Mohseni-Bandpei clarified that this figure is based on internationally recognized definitions of tourism, which classify any individual who stays at least one night in a destination as a traveler, whether they are Iranian expatriates or foreign nationals.

The Islamic Republic expects to capitalize on its extensive array of tourist attractions, including bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, among which 29 sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.