18th Tehran Int’l Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition draws crowds
People flocked to the 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition, marveling at the wonders of Iran’s tourism industry.
The exhibition drew an impressive 24,000 visitors within just the first day. The event runs from February 11 to 14, showcasing the vibrant potential of Iran’s tourism sector, IRNA reported.
According to Anoushiravan Mohseni-Bandpey, Deputy of Tourism at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the exhibition features participation from 700 companies, both domestic and international.
“Tourism professionals from countries including the UAE, Turkey, Madagascar, Tajikistan, Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, Qatar, and Russia are showcasing their offerings,” he said.
He added that 395 square meters have been allocated for foreign exhibitors.
In a bid to keep accommodation costs manageable, the government has exempted one to three-star hotel owners from paying certain taxes.
Mohseni-Bandpey pointed out the need for improved advertising and marketing strategies to promote Iran’s tourism industry.
He added, “We must enhance public relations and marketing to develop our tourism sector.”
He also pointed to the disparity in tourism advertising budgets, highlighting that while the average spending for tourism promotion abroad is around five dollars per tourist, Iran allocates nearly half a dollar.
“We must leverage our beautiful coastlines, invaluable historical sites, and the potential of health tourism to attract more visitors,” he added.
An initiative to establish rest areas, or “Nowruzgah,” has been announced to reduce traffic accidents during peak travel times, particularly around city entrances. This measure aims to provide drivers with safe stopping points during the busy Nowruz holiday season.
In efforts to make travel more accessible, the ministry has partnered with pension organizations and hotel associations to offer reduced travel costs for various demographics.
“There are 1,470 hotels in Iran, of which 143 are four to five-star establishments. We aim to ensure that budget hotels maintain affordable rates,” Mohseni-Bandpay explained.
Influencers at Tehran exhibition
A total of 20 prominent influencers from Pakistan, Kenya, and Zimbabwe visited the exhibition, invited by the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts.
The influencers, known for their substantial social media presence, toured five exhibition halls featuring private sector booths and provincial cultural heritage offices.
During their visit, the influencers engaged in discussions about Iran’s tourism potential with Moslem Shojaei, the Director General of Foreign Marketing and Tourism Development.
Their week-long trip includes visits to various tourist attractions across the country, aiming to present a genuine image of Iran to the world through social media channels.
UNESCO World Heritage plaque unveiled
The exhibition also saw the unveiling of a UNESCO World Heritage plaque for the historic site of Hegmataneh.
The ceremony, attended by Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Reza Salehi Amiri, marked Iran’s 28th registered World Heritage site.
Salehi Amiri emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the nation’s historical landmarks while thanking local authorities for their efforts in securing this recognition.
“The registration of Hegmataneh is a significant step in showcasing Iran’s rich history and culture to the world,” he stated, noting that the site was officially recognized during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi.
In a broader context, Salehi Amiri announced plans to increase the ministry’s budget by up to 60% for the upcoming year, stressing the need for innovative approaches to highlight Iran’s attractions.
He advocated for the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to enhance the tourism experience. “Our aim is to prepare resources that allow people to explore Iran through their smartphones,” he said.
Despite the challenges posed by harsh weather conditions and unsafe roadways, Salehi Amiri expressed optimism about the successful execution of the exhibition, stating, “We are focused on creating a lively atmosphere that fosters social engagement and community spirit.”