Tunisia, Iran discuss expansion of tourism cooperation
Iran and Tunisia conducted their first joint meeting since the mutual visa waiver, aiming to overcome existing barriers and boost tourism between the two nations.
Tunisian ambassador in Tehran, Imad al-Rahmuni emphasized the strong desire of Tunisians to visit the historic cities of Shiraz and Isfahan, despite the current challenges posed by the lack of direct flights and financial exchange issues, ILNA wrote.
Following the mutual visa waiver agreement between Iran and Tunisia, the first joint meeting to discuss tourism cooperation was held in Tehran. The meeting was attended by the Tunisian ambassador, representatives from Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, and travel agency managers, hosted by the Association of Air Transport and Tourist Agencies of Iran (AATTAI).
Hormatollah Rafiei, the head of the AATTAI, highlighted that Tunisia was the first country to take steps toward a mutual visa waiver with Iran.
He mentioned that Tunisia has long been a key destination for Iranian tourists, with charter flights operating at various times. Although these activities were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism relations between Iran and Tunisia have now not only resumed but are progressing with greater vigor.
Rafiei further noted the strong relations between the governments and private sectors of Iran and Tunisia, particularly in the tourism sector.
Ambassador stated that tourism is a gateway to broader relations between countries.
He underscored the need for direct flights to facilitate better connections between the people of Iran and Tunisia, which would positively impact other areas of cooperation. Despite the challenges, including visa issues and the absence of direct flights, both countries remain determined to achieve their tourism development goals.
The Tunisian ambassador’s first action upon his appointment in Iran was to ensure Tunisia’s participation in the Tehran International Tourism & related Industries Exhibition. Despite not being initially included in their plans, the involvement was made possible with support from both countries’ tourism ministries and Rafiei.
Looking ahead, the envoy announced plans for a joint commission on tourism cooperation to be hosted by Iran. The Tunisian Minister of Tourism, along with representatives from Tunisian travel agencies and the airline sector, will visit Tehran. This visit will coincide with the Tunisia Culture Week, aimed at fostering partnerships between Tunisian and Iranian tourism professionals.