Deputy minister: Education key to developing modern tourism industry
Education serves as the driving force behind national development and has the potential to be a game-changer in the evolution of modern tourism, according to Anoushiravan Mohseni-Bandpey, Deputy of Tourism at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.
Speaking at the second annual celebration of International Day of Education on February 2—held under the theme Artificial Intelligence and Education in Tourism—Mohseni-Bandpey underscored the invaluable role of education in fostering innovation and dynamism in the tourism sector.
He extended his appreciation to veteran educators, tourism professionals, and industry institutions present at the event before exploring the symbiotic relationship between education and tourism, ISNA reported.
“The impact of tourism, as a modern industry, extends far beyond economic growth—it plays a crucial role in shaping political, social, and cultural landscapes, while also contributing to the psychological well-being of societies,” he stated.
Calling it an identity-forming industry, he emphasized that tourism can be a powerful tool in countering Iranophobia.
Mohseni-Bandpey further stressed that soft diplomacy and the presence of international tourists could act as effective measures in mitigating negative narratives against Iran.
Turning his attention to local tourism enterprises, he pointed to the significant contributions of ecotourism ventures in empowering communities, citing them as prime examples of how tourism can drive socio-economic development.
Describing education as the catalyst for transformation, he noted, “When education aligns with the tourism industry through an innovation-driven and wealth-generating approach, it fosters the birth of ideas and creativity.”
He also discussed the importance of knowledge-based and ethics-oriented training programs, which he believes are fundamental in enhancing the expertise of industry professionals.
In a forward-looking perspective, the deputy minister underscored the game-changing role of artificial intelligence in tourism education, stating that AI-driven advancements could streamline services and significantly enhance the industry’s capacities and capabilities.
Addressing the importance of setting higher standards in tourism services, Mohseni-Bandpey reiterated that effective education has always been the backbone of progress in standardization and quality enhancement, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to this principle.
Concluding his remarks, he called upon industry experts and educators, stating, “We rely on your invaluable knowledge and experiences to further elevate the capacities and potentials of this sector.”