Iran launches ‘new chapter’ in tourism diplomacy with Egypt, Turkey, Vatican: Minister
Iran opened a “new chapter” in its tourism diplomacy with Egypt, Turkey and the Vatican, Cultural Heritage Minister Reza Salehi Amiri said on Wednesday, announcing five strategic incentives to draw foreign investment into the sector.
In comments made on the sidelines of the cabinet meeting in Tehran on May 28, Salehi Amiri said Iran is stepping up efforts to make tourism a “key pillar” of its foreign policy, citing recent “positive” talks in Cairo and Rome, and growing cooperation with Ankara, IRNA reported.
The renewed push signals Tehran’s broader effort to balance cultural exchange and economic gain by leveraging tourism as a soft power tool. The new government-approved investment package—based on the Seventh Development Plan—includes fast-track permits for mixed-use tourist complexes that combine hotels with commercial and residential units.
Speaking of Egypt, Salehi Amiri said a “shared will” exists to deepen cultural and tourism ties. “Soon, we’ll witness reciprocal travel between Iranian and Egyptian tourists,” he noted, citing destinations like Cairo and Alexandria on one side, and Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Mashhad on the other.
Talks with Turkey have also gained ground. The Iranian minister said two expert-level meetings were held in the past fortnight with Turkey’s tourism minister, resulting in “effective agreements” aimed at boosting two-way tourism.
Currently, some 3.5 million Iranians visit Turkey annually, but Turkish tourists account for less than a third of that number. “We’re working to redress the imbalance,” he said, adding that Turkey’s tourism minister is expected in Tehran soon for a regional tourism summit.
Salehi Amiri also spoke of his official trip to Rome, where he attended the Vatican’s recent inauguration ceremony and held meetings with senior Holy See officials. These discussions covered religious, cultural and tourism collaboration.
He described Iran’s embassy in Rome as “instrumental” in facilitating the talks.
The five new investment regulations aim to “pave the way” for private sector involvement in building tourism infrastructure, according to the minister. One of the most important provisions allows developers to combine hotel construction with retail and housing, enhancing profitability and regional development.
“Tourism is a language that needs no translation,” Salehi Amiri said. “It can deliver Iran’s message of peace and civilisation directly to the world.”