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Iran urges cultural strategy to drive regional tourism
Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts on Wednesday called for a “new architecture” of cultural cooperation among Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) nations, saying sustainable regional development hinges on shared identity and political resolve.
Speaking at the Regional Tourism Market Symposium held on Kish Island, Reza Salehi Amiri said the region must rethink its ties through “civilizational links” rather than surface-level diplomacy, IRNA reported.
He urged leaders to “move beyond symbolism” and turn historical, linguistic and religious common ground into real, people-centered collaboration.
“The ECO needs a redefined cultural framework,” Salehi Amiri told delegates. That, he stressed, requires dialogue, relaxed visa rules, and shared tourism strategies.
He suggested a summit of ECO cultural elites in Tehran to deepen “mutual understanding” and boost cohesion.
Salehi Amiri pointed to visas as a major sticking point. “Removing visa barriers should be top of the list,” he said, noting that Iran had already taken “meaningful steps” and now expects ECO’s secretariat to help speed up the process.
Iran is also pushing for joint tourism fairs, including expanded participation in Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition. “This is how we showcase cultural assets to each other — and the world,” the minister said.
He offered state media resources to help promote ECO countries’ tourist attractions in Iran. Each year, roughly 10 million Iranians travel abroad. “A major portion of this can be directed to ECO states,” he said, if tourism infrastructure and cultural pathways are improved.
Highlighting ongoing projects, he revealed that Iran has more than 2,700 tourism initiatives underway. Kish Island alone accounts for around 10% of the country’s tourism capacity, with 57 hotels in operation and another 52 being built.
In a separate press briefing, Salehi Amiri pushed back on negative portrayals of Iran in Western media, calling “Iranophobia” a deliberate narrative spun by hostile outlets. “These stories don’t match the reality on the ground,” he said.
“The lived experience of visitors is one of peace and splendor,” he said. He pointed to the recent international expo in Tehran, where over 2,700 foreign guests attended. “They didn’t just see Iran. They understood it — and became storytellers of a different kind.”
Kish, he argued, could serve as a strategic hub for rewriting Iran’s global tourism image. But infrastructure remains a challenge. “Over 80% of travel to the island is by air,” he said. Talks are underway to reinforce air routes and designate Kish Air as a core carrier.
Three airlines have already agreed to invest in hotels on the island. “This synergy between air travel and hospitality builds a stable future for tourism,” he said.
Salehi Amiri called for a sustained campaign of persuasion — both at home and abroad. “With truth on our side, smart diplomacy, and private sector buy-in, we see a bright future for Kish — and for Iran’s global tourism standing.”