Friendship, peace key to boost tourism growth: Pezeshkian
Iran seeks to restore its real status in world
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of restoring Iran’s true place on the global stage and stressed the need for global peace and friendship to unlock the country’s tourism potential.
He made the statements at the opening of the 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition on February 11. The event, which runs through February 14, brought together representatives from several countries, including the UAE, Turkey, Russia, and Brazil, to showcase Iran’s vast potential in tourism, president.ir reported.
Pezeshkian highlighted that despite the challenges, Iran’s diverse culture, rich heritage, and human warmth provide a strong foundation for the country to thrive as a major player in global tourism.
“Iran’s pride is tied to our people and the land. We are committed to restoring Iran to its rightful place in the world,” Pezeshkian stated, adding that tourism could play a vital role in this mission.
Pezeshkian pointed out that for many visitors, experiencing Iran firsthand often dispels the misconceptions painted by international media. “Those who visit Iran understand that the narratives against our country are not true. They see the hospitality, unity, and beauty that reside within this land,” he said.
The president also said that travel enriches individuals in various fields, including science, economics, industry, humanitarian efforts, politics, and culture.
He referenced the United Nations’ designation of 2025 as the Year of Peace and Security, asserting that such ideals cannot be achieved through violence and discrimination. Instead, he stressed the importance of creating conditions for coexistence.
Pezeshkian affirmed that his administration is committed to supporting tourists as well as investors in the tourism sector, pledging to eliminate legal barriers that hinder the industry’s growth.
He also expressed Iran’s readiness to collaborate with foreign investors in cultural, industrial, and economic initiatives, emphasizing the need for expanded cooperation at both national and international levels.
In his remarks, the president made it clear that Iran seeks peace and tranquility with its neighbors in the West Asia region. However, he pointed out that certain global powers continue to violate human rights across various parts of the world. The president asked: How can those who bomb thousands of innocent people claim to be defenders of human rights?
Addressing the suffering of the people in Gaza, he argued that children and women do not pose a threat to international security; rather, they are the true victims of wars fought under the pretext of combating terrorism. In conclusion, President Pezeshkian expressed his hope for peace and coexistence for all people, urging everyone to work towards building a better world where humanity can live together in harmony.
Reza Selehi Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, also spoke at the event, underscoring the country’s enormous potential in various tourism sectors. He noted that with Iran’s rich historical, cultural, and natural attractions, the country has all the makings of a top-tier tourism destination.
“We are fully committed to attracting 15 million tourists by next year. In fact, we’ve already seen an 18% increase in international visitors, reflecting the growing global interest in Iran,” the minister remarked.
He added that the country’s vast tourism infrastructure is rapidly expanding, with significant projects underway to accommodate both domestic and international visitors. “From historic sites to coastal resorts, Iran offers something for every traveler,” he said. The minister also recognized the role of the private sector in driving tourism growth and noted that the government is working to remove barriers for investors in the sector. He called for greater cooperation between all stakeholders to ensure Iran can fully capitalize on its tourism potential. Both Pezeshkian and the tourism minister emphasized the importance of national unity in achieving the country’s tourism goals. The president called for solidarity, stating, “Only through unity can we achieve the progress we seek for Iran and for our tourism industry.”
Pezeshkian’s remarks were a clear call for collective effort, encouraging Iranians from all backgrounds to come together and share their country’s rich cultural heritage with the world, while simultaneously building a more peaceful and interconnected global community.