Iran becomes member of Silk Road tourism alliance
Iran has officially become a founding member of the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities, according to the deputy minister of cultural heritage, handicrafts, and tourism.
The announcement came as the alliance, initiated by the Chinese government, began its activities on September 1, with the participation of 57 cities from 26 countries, opening the door for potential new members, IRNA reported.
Pointing to the presence of Iran as one of the founding members of the alliance in 2023, Ali-Asghar Shalbafian continued that the Iranian province of Semnan is now a member of the alliance as the representative of Iran.
On September 1, 2023, a launch ceremony of the International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities was held in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, China, along with a series of other activities, including the International Forum on Culture and Tourism Development of Silk Road Cities 2023.
He emphasized that this membership offers the Islamic Republic of Iran a unique opportunity to showcase its tourism potential, with a particular focus on the Silk Road and Semnan, while also outlining future plans for hosting the mayors of member cities.
He further elaborated on the collaboration objectives within the Silk Road Tourism Cities International Alliance, including enhancing cooperation among countries along the Silk Road, both overland and maritime, fostering synergy in organizing thematic events related to the Silk Road, facilitating the growth of the local tourism industry, developing sustainable practices, joint promotional campaigns among member countries, sharing experiences in Silk Road-related products, and improving the Silk Road brand.
The alliance holds the “International Forum on Culture and Tourism Development of Silk Road Cities” annually in a rotating presidency, and carries out joint promotion activities on the culture and tourism themes of member cities for enterprises and citizens, and holds official visits, youth exchanges, professional training, study tours, theme routes, festival parties, selection of famous cities, and other activities within the framework of the
alliance.