Nearly 50,000 Chinese visitors arrive in Iran in seven months
Iran has seen a remarkable increase in Chinese tourists, with nearly 50,000 of them arriving in the country during the first seven months of the current Iranian year (started March 21), according to Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, the deputy minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.
This increase in demand indicates the growing interest of Chinese travelers in exploring Iran as a tourist destination, IRNA wrote.
Shalbafian made the announcement during a meeting of the Technical Committee on Tourism Cooperation between Iran and China, which was held at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran.
He emphasized that Iran has played host to a significant number of Chinese tourists over the past few months, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also pointed out that although the number of flights to Iran is only half of what it was in 2019, having 50,000 visitors in seven months indicates the high demand among Chinese tourists for visiting Iran.
Shalbafian stated, “Certainly, the efforts made by the Chinese government to promote Iran as a top tourist destination have not been fruitless. I would like to express my gratitude to the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as the Chinese Embassy in Iran for their collaboration in this regard.”
Highlighting the importance of promoting tourism ties between the two countries, Shalbafian maintained, “Our duty is to facilitate a proper welcome for the guests of both nations.”
Lu Yingchuan, Chinese vice minister of Culture and Tourism, expressed his appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Iran.
He emphasized the significance of strengthening tourism cooperation between the two countries and the need to expand the collaboration in various fields.
Yingchuang said, “Iran and China, as two ancient civilizations, possess rich potential for cooperation. Tourism is currently undergoing development, with numerous flights operating between Iran and China. Tourist tours between the two nations are returning to pre-pandemic levels.”
He further added, “Iran’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS summit has opened up plenty of opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various fields.”
Yingchuang emphasized the importance of the participation of the private sector in the development of tourism, particularly in rural and maritime tourism and leisure cruises.
He stressed the need for developing smart tourism, highlighting the role of technology, digital tourism, and artificial intelligence.
The Chinese official also underscored the significance of green tourism, emphasizing energy conservation and environmental protection in the tourism industry as key areas of cooperation.
Yingchuang expressed China’s readiness to fully participate in strengthening tourism cooperation between the two nations.