Arvand Free Zone’s unique appeal for tourists
The managing director of the Arvand Free Zone Organization described the development of tourism projects as a key economic goal for the region and expressed readiness to attract foreign tourists in collaboration with both domestic and international investors, emphasizing the area’s exceptional potential.
Ali Zarei stated, “In the Arvand Free Zone, which encompasses the cities of Abadan and Khorramshahr, we regard tourism as an industry. Therefore, we have integrated the development of tourism projects into the economic objectives of the free zone, as tourism not only generates economic benefits but also shares local culture with visitors.”
He added that the Arvand Free Zone possesses significant potential for attracting foreign tourists and is equipped with essential infrastructure for air, water, rail, and road transportation. This capability has positioned Abadan and Khorramshahr among special cities, chtn.ir wrote.
Zarei noted the strategic advantage of Abadan and Khorramshahr’s proximity to Iraq and their water connection with the Persian Gulf, calling it an excellent opportunity for tourism development and foreign tourist attraction. He emphasized the importance of leveraging this opportunity to introduce Iran and combat anti-Iran sentiment, stating, “Abadan and Khorramshahr host some of the oldest oil and petrochemical industries in the country and are linked to several pioneering developments in Iran’s modern history.”
He further highlighted that this region has welcomed people from various countries for approximately 70 years. Citizens from India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, England, Scotland, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and others have traveled to or settled in this area due to its significant oil and petrochemical industry since the late 12th century to the mid-13th century in the Iranian calendar.
Zarei pointed out that the Arvand Free Zone hosts the largest population among all free zones in the country, stating, “Almost half of the inhabitants of Iran’s free zones reside within the Arvand Free Zone. This demographic is crucial for the tourism industry.” He noted that the ethnic diversity of the Arvand residents is another social advantage, aptly referring to the area as “a small Iran.”
He regarded the Tehran tourism exhibition as a valuable opportunity to showcase recent initiatives, stating, “The 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition, held from Feb.11-14, was an excellent platform to present the measures implemented for providing services to health and pilgrimage tourists, as well as the facilities offered to tourism companies and accommodation establishments. The exhibition was a highly educational and practical experience, allowing attendees to gain valuable insights that can be leveraged to effectively promote tourism.”
Zarei emphasized that achieving the slogan “Tourism, Peace, and National Cohesion” requires collaborative efforts from multiple sectors, stating, “We cannot expect the public sector to achieve this alone; the community sector must also align with this vision. The presence of various Iranian ethnic groups in Abadan, which have shaped the culture of being ‘Abadani,’ exemplifies how tourism can promote peace and national cohesion.”
“Today, the Arvand Free Zone is more prepared than ever for extensive cooperation with domestic and foreign investors. Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem in the tourism sector that will not only contribute to the economic development of the region but also enhance the quality of life for its residents and improve the health and medical industry both nationally and beyond,” he concluded.