Shiraz, Dushanbe ink tourism cooperation agreement
Shiraz, Iran and Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost tourism cooperation between the two cities.
The agreement was signed on Sunday in the presence of the head of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Department in Fars Province Mohammad Sabet-Eghlidi, officials from the Shiraz municipality, the First Secretary of the Embassy of Tajikistan in Iran Hokimiddin Rahmonov, and representatives from the private sector active in the tourism industry of both countries, IRNA reported.
According to Sabet-Eghlidi, Iran and Tajikistan share a common cultural heritage, which has made it easy for tourists and tourism industry advocates from Tajikistan to feel at home in Shiraz.
“Iran and Tajikistan have a common cultural background, and Iran has been the capital of a civilization that has been home to 33 nations in the past, as depicted in the Persepolis,” he said.
Eghlidi added that the shared cultural heritage and common language have made it possible for Iranian citizens who love their history and civilization to travel to Tajikistan and become familiar with its geography and attractions.
He also highlighted some of Shiraz’s tourist attractions, including Persepolis, the tomb of famous poets Hafez and Saadi, and the city’s reputation as a global center for handicrafts.
The Iranian official also mentioned that Fars Province is rich in natural attractions and can cater to fans of mountaineering and off-roading. Plus, he pointed out that Shiraz has become a hub for health tourism in Iran, attracting many tourists from the Persian Gulf region for medical treatment.
Eghlidi emphasized the importance of organizing cultural weeks and tourism events to introduce the attractions of both countries and provide an opportunity for mutual tourism cooperation.