33 countries to join Tehran tour operators forum
Iran will host the international tour operators forum from April 28 to May 2, with over 100 travel agencies from 33 countries attending.
The event, aimed at boosting the country’s tourism industry, will be held at the Esteghlal Hotel in Tehran and coincide with the 7th Export Capabilities Exhibition (Iran Expo 2025).
Moslem Shojaei, Director General of Marketing and Tourism Development at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, emphasized that the event seeks to address a decline in foreign tour operators visiting Iran.
He noted that the country is on track to handle 14 million tourists annually, but infrastructure challenges remain. “We need to rethink tourism pathways to distribute visitors more evenly across the country,” Shojaei said, IRNA reported.
Tourism experts believe that this international gathering will provide an essential boost to the sector. Shojaei explained that the event’s highlight is the B2B Business Meeting, a key opportunity for networking and collaboration between Iranian and foreign tour operators.
The participating countries range from neighboring nations like Turkey and Iraq to more distant regions, including Vietnam, Thailand, and South Africa. This global presence marks a crucial step toward attracting more tourists. As part of the event, foreign delegates will visit iconic Iranian landmarks, such as the Golestan Palace and the ancient Museum of Iran, as well as the scenic island of Kish.
Despite the growing number of international arrivals—currently at around 11 million per year—Shojaei stressed that Iran must remain competitive. “We have to fight for market share,” he said, underscoring the need for infrastructure improvements, including the construction of 500 new hotels and enhanced transportation options.
Looking ahead, Shojaei put the spotlight on Iran’s plans to participate in ten international tourism exhibitions and organize five [tourism] roadshows across cities such as Basra, Baghdad, Karbala, and Najaf, as well as in Poland, Hungary, Serbia, and Russia.
Shojaei also discussed the importance of overcoming barriers to tourism, such as the difficulties travelers face in converting foreign currencies to rials. However, he reassured that issues related to the issuance of tourist cards are being resolved, with a new system in place for banks to issue these cards.
Iran’s long-term strategy involves using tourism as a tool for public diplomacy. “Tourism helps show the world the real Iran,” Shojaei stated.
He also emphasized that the country’s membership in the United Nations World Tourism Organization remains a valuable asset, with plans for hosting more international events in the coming years.
Moreover, he revealed plans for Iran to host a conference dedicated to the Silk Road countries in Semnan and the third International Health Tourism Conference for ECO member states in Hamedan in the current year.