Iran aims to attract more Chinese tourists, eyes share of growing outbound market
Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, And Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri on Sunday said the country is seeking a larger share of the growing Chinese outbound tourism market, which is expected to reach 200 million travelers annually by 2030.
Speaking at the 21st strategic council meeting in Tehran, Salehi-Amiri said attracting foreign visitors is crucial to safeguarding 1.6 million jobs linked to 22,000 hotels and guesthouses, 6,000 travel agencies, 15,000 licensed tour guides, and 3,000 eco-tourism sites.
Iran received 6.2 million foreign tourists in 2023 and nearly 7.4 million in 2024. Arrivals dipped in June and July, 2025, following a brief 12-day war, but the sector is “regaining ground,” he said.
The government’s Seventh Development Plan sets a long-term target of 15 million foreign visitors, requiring an average annual growth of around 19.5%.
While China is a priority, officials also highlighted Central Asia, the Caucasus, Persian Gulf neighbors including Iraq, and major Muslim nations such as Egypt and Indonesia as key markets.
Salehi-Amiri said attracting these groups is “vital” for revitalizing an industry still recovering from shocks.
The minister also stressed the potential of Iranians living abroad, describing them as the nation’s “greatest asset.” Encouraging the diaspora to return could drive social, cultural, and economic development, he added. The foreign ministry has established a body to engage Iranians abroad, a move seen as central to long-term recovery.
At the same session, Babak Negahdari, head of parliament’s research center, said his office has partnered with a Chinese academy to broaden joint studies. He pledged practical policy “packages” to support the tourism ministry in navigating post-conflict challenges.