Iran to Host Global Tour Operators From 33 Countries

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to ILNA, Moslem Shojaei stated that the Iranian Association of Travel Service Offices is organizing the event, expressing hope that similar initiatives would increasingly be led by the private sector, with the government continuing to provide full support as a policymaker and facilitator.

At a press conference held on Sunday, at the Persian Gulf Hall of the Tourism Deputy’s Office, Shojaei revealed that the event, titled the Iran Travel Forum (ITF), will coincide with the Seventh Exhibition of Export Capabilities (Iran Expo 2025).

Shojaei noted that more than 100 tour operators from 33 different countries—including Vietnam, Thailand, India, Tajikistan, Armenia, Turkey, Uganda, Mauritius, Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Pakistan, Bulgaria, Turkmenistan, Oman, Malaysia, Slovakia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, France, and Brunei—will participate in the event. A B2B meeting will be held on Tuesday at the Esteghlal Hotel.

Shojaei emphasized that the gathering represents a golden opportunity for Iran’s tourism industry, which plays a critical role in generating foreign exchange revenue and employment.

As part of the program, participants will visit major historical and cultural attractions in Iran, including the Sa’dabad Palace Complex, the National Museum of Iran, and the Abbas Abad Lands. They will also travel to Kish Island to experience Iran’s tourism offerings firsthand.

He highlighted the significant role played by the Iranian Association of Travel Agencies in organizing the event, stating that the selection of invited countries was strategic to maximize impact.

Shojaei further explained that the aim was to engage with countries in a way that would lead to creating customized travel packages, and praised the private sector’s cooperation, expressing optimism that future initiatives will increasingly be spearheaded by private players with continued government support.

Shojaei underlined that the Office of Marketing and Development of International Tourism has two main missions: promoting Iran’s image abroad and attracting foreign tourists. International events and tourism promotion are considered essential strategies to improve Iran’s global image.

He stressed the significance of tourism as a key tool of public diplomacy and identified hosting international events as a strategic pillar of Iran’s approach.

Shojaei also referred to Iran’s recent participation in the 37th East Asia and Pacific Regional Commission Meeting and the 60th South Asia Regional Commission Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) held recently in Jakarta. Iran’s active involvement, including its membership in the UNWTO Executive Council, has opened new opportunities for developing the tourism industry.” Global Tour ”

In addition, he mentioned a new memorandum of understanding signed with UNWTO to host the Urban Tourism Summit in Tehran.

Shojaei highlighted the importance of influencer marketing to build trust and present a modern image of Iran to the world, hoping to expand Iran’s presence in digital media through interactive content and strategic communications.” Global Tour ”

He also announced plans for Iran to participate in 10 international tourism exhibitions and organize five roadshows in cities such as Basra, Baghdad, Karbala, and Najaf, as well as in countries like Poland, Hungary, Serbia, and Russia, aiming to attract more foreign visitors.

Furthermore, Shojaei revealed that Semnan will host the Silk Road Summit, and Hamedan will host the Third International Health Tourism Conference for ECO member states in 2025.