Iran, Indonesia eye tourism growth
Tehran-Jakarta direct flight to be launched
As Iran and Indonesia explore new avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation, tourism has emerged as a key focus, with religious and cultural tourism offering significant potential to strengthen people-to-people ties.
Tourism officials say the shared Islamic heritage between the two nations — both boasting a rich tapestry of religious sites and traditions — creates a natural bridge for increased travel, IRNA reported.
“Ninety percent of Indonesia’s population is Muslim,” noted Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpey, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts.
He emphasized the potential for “pilgrimage tourism” and highlighted that millions of Indonesians travel abroad each year. “We can take meaningful steps to welcome these travelers.”
Recent high-level meetings between the two countries have paved the way for a direct flight between Tehran and Jakarta — a move aimed at “facilitating tourism exchanges,” according to Mohseni-Bandpey.
Plans for the launch of the route are underway, following what he described as “promising agreements” with Indonesian officials.
The announcement comes on the heels of the 37th UNWTO East Asia and Pacific Commission and the 60th South Asia Commission meetings in Jakarta, during which Tehran was named host of the first World Forum on Urban Tourism, scheduled for June 24–25.
Mohseni-Bandpey also announced that Isfahan has been selected to host the 2026 Global Tourism Commission meeting — a milestone that he says “challenges the Iranophobia narrative” by spotlighting Iran’s “vast tourism capacity” and cultural charm.
Amid ongoing efforts to develop the sector, Iran continues to promote underexplored destinations across its provinces. Lesser-known regions such as Ilam, Lorestan, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad saw a “sharp rise in tourist arrivals” during Nowruz, signaling a more balanced national tourism flow and what officials call “tourism justice.”
Tehran has also invested heavily in improving visitor experiences. Enhanced transportation, fuel supply, and safety measures during the Persian New Year holidays were a result of “direct orders from the President,” Mohseni-Bandpey said.
Emergency services and health infrastructure were also scaled up, contributing to what he described as “a safer and more enjoyable holiday season.”