Aras Free Trade Zone secures key membership in UN Tourism
At the 26th Session of the UN Tourism General Assembly held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Aras Free Trade Zone Organization has been officially accepted as an Affiliate Member of this prestigious international body.
Hadi Moqadamzadeh, Chairman of the Board and Director General of the Aras Free Trade Zone Organization, described the achievement as a pivotal milestone in showcasing Iran’s tourism potential on the global stage, chtn.ir reported.
“With this approval, the Aras Free Trade Zone joins the ranks of the world’s most respected tourism institutions as a destination management organization within the Affiliate Members category,” he said. “This membership enables us to formally collaborate with UN Tourism, the highest international authority in the tourism sector.”
Moqadamzadeh highlighted that UN Tourism plays a central role in elevating tourism standards and services, particularly in developing countries. He noted that the membership grants access to the latest scientific advancements, innovations, and global best practices in strategic planning, international marketing, workforce training, and promotional activities.
He also pointed to a wide range of future opportunities, including access to technical and advisory assistance, participation in international platforms, direct engagement with global tourism leaders, and use of UN Tourism’s comprehensive digital library. Additional benefits include organizing joint global events, enhancing visibility for licensed travel agencies, facilitating foreign tourist arrivals in the region, and accessing up-to-date tourism data and reports. Aras Free Trade Zone will also be able to join UN Tourism’s specialized networks and working groups.
Moqadamzadeh emphasized that this membership allows the Aras region to actively participate in global conferences and exchange expertise with over 500 leading institutions from the private sector, academia, and local governments.
UN Tourism comprises 160 member states, 6 associate members, and over 500 affiliate members from academic, private sector, and civil society organizations worldwide. Moqadamzadeh expressed pride in Aras’s inclusion in this distinguished group.
The Aras Free Trade Zone had previously secured affiliate membership in 2019, but the affiliation was inactive for several years. Following recent efforts, the organization’s membership has now been formally reinstated.
Initially established to support and enhance commercial and industrial activities, Iran’s free trade and industrial zones are uniquely positioned in some of the country’s most stunning and distinctive regions. From the serene beaches of Ziba Kenar in the Anzali Free Zone, to the pristine shores of Darak village in the Chabahar Free Zone, and from the lush Arasbaran forests in the Aras Free Zone, to the evergreen mangrove forests of Qeshm, these zones encompass natural wonders that are truly unparalleled on a global scale.
In addition to their scenic landscapes, the zones boast rich cultural, historical, social, and religious attractions, offering significant potential for tourism development. Complemented by growing health, agricultural, and cultural infrastructures, these zones stand as vibrant hubs that not only foster economic growth but also enrich Iran’s tourism landscape with their distinctive and diverse offerings.