TEHRAN (Iran News) Mohseni Ejei highlighted the unparalleled contribution of cultural heritage and handicrafts to elevating Iran’s Islamic civilization. “We, as officials and servants of the system, need to listen more than we speak. Today, we must better understand our society, its capacities, talents, and innovations,” he said. He stressed that recognizing the challenges faced by all segments of society is essential for officials to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

Addressing the significant role of Iranian women, Mohseni Ejei noted, “Women make up half of our society. Do we, as system officials, fully recognize their talents and capabilities?” He underscored their importance as a key and influential demographic in the country.

The Judiciary Chief also called for greater efforts to introduce Iran’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage—spanning thousands of years and encompassing over a million cultural and archaeological artifacts—to both the Iranian people and the global community. “We must protect and preserve our rich cultural heritage more diligently so that future generations take pride in our stewardship,” he added.

Mohseni Ejei identified the economy and people’s livelihoods as the nation’s top priority, asserting that tourism is a key industry capable of bolstering economic foundations and generating sustainable jobs. “We must leverage tourism’s potential to boost the country’s foreign exchange resources,” he said, while cautioning that this development should not come at the expense of Iran’s cultural and religious values or allow foreign cultural infiltration.

He further explained that a thriving tourism and handicraft sector could lead to sustainable employment, which in turn would help reduce social issues. “The prosperity of tourism and handicrafts can create lasting jobs, significantly contributing to alleviating social anomalies,” he remarked.

Turning to handicrafts, Mohseni Ejei described them as a blend of art, talent, knowledge, and human virtues, suggesting that the term “handicrafts” might undervalue their significance. “Perhaps we should choose a more exalted name for this art,” he proposed. Drawing from personal experience, he recalled weaving carpets with his sisters during childhood, noting how artisans, like engineers or mathematicians, perfect their craft with precision and creativity.

He emphasized the grassroots nature of the handicraft economy, stating, “We constantly stress that the economy must be people-driven—what could be more people-centric than handicrafts? It requires minimal investment, and most importantly, it strengthens family foundations.”

Mohseni Ejei praised the potential of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, suggesting it could be harnessed to better showcase Islamic Iran and counter “Iranophobia.” “As more tourists visit Iran, the negative propaganda of enemies and adversaries is neutralized,” he said.

He pledged the Judiciary’s support for the tourism and handicraft sectors, stating, “We are prepared to collaborate with relevant authorities to remove obstacles and address challenges facing these industries. We also stand ready to enhance efforts to protect our rich cultural and civilizational heritage.”

Highlighting the need to resolve issues faced by foreign tourists, Mohseni Ejei noted that visitors unfamiliar with Iran’s laws and norms might encounter legal difficulties. “We are willing to work with the Ministry to address these legal challenges,” he said, adding that initial steps should include familiarizing tourists with Iran’s regulations. He also committed to bolstering security measures for foreign visitors.

The Judiciary Chief urged stakeholders in the tourism and handicraft industries to appoint representatives for brainstorming sessions with judicial officials to tackle sector-specific problems collaboratively.

In closing, Mohseni Ejei reiterated that resolving Iran’s economic challenges is nearly impossible without private sector and public participation. “The Judiciary considers it a duty to assist the private sector, remove production barriers, and support a production leap,” he said, extending this commitment to those active in handicrafts and tourism.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Mohammad Ali Dehghan Dehnavi made these remarks on Tuesday during the inauguration of the 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition. He highlighted that this annual event is one of the most important gatherings in Iran’s tourism sector.

Dehnavi, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade, noted that tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also plays a key role in cultural exchange and employment creation. “Foreign tourists help open up new employment and business opportunities in different regions,” he said.

He further explained that tourism fosters a deeper understanding of a country’s cultural and historical heritage among other nations, which in turn has a positive impact on diplomatic relations.

Dehnavi emphasized that the Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition has grown over the years to become one of the most prestigious regional trade fairs. Held annually at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground, the event attracts significant participation from both domestic and international companies.

Recognized as Iran’s only official exhibition dedicated to the tourism sector, the event is also registered in the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) calendar. Participant information from the exhibition is recorded as part of the UNWTO’s official industry records.

“The exhibition serves as a strategic platform to showcase Iran’s tourism potential and capabilities,” Dehnavi said. “It allows industry players to exchange ideas, introduce their products and services, and explore new business collaborations.”

The primary goal of the exhibition is to promote tourism culture and introduce Iran’s attractions to both domestic and international visitors. In addition, the event aims to create business opportunities and foster international cooperation within the tourism and related industries.

Industry professionals attending the exhibition have the chance to share experiences, exchange information, and establish direct connections with potential partners. The event is also structured around regional and specialized themes, facilitating targeted networking and collaboration.

The 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition is taking place from February 12 to 15, 2025, at the Tehran International Exhibition Center. The event is open to the public daily from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri welcomed tourism advocates and those passionate about Iran’s progress at a meeting with Mohammad Reza Aref, Vice President, and private sector investors in the tourism industry. The meeting took place on Saturday, January 12, 2025, in the Fajr Hall of the ministry. He highlighted Mr. Aref’s strong support for the tourism sector and his emphasis on treating tourism as a critical platform for national development.

Salehi Amiri explained that tourism is deeply connected to three key factors: attractiveness, security, and infrastructure. He elaborated on Iran’s cultural heritage and its tourism potential, noting that Iran ranks seventh globally in terms of attractiveness and is regarded as an “archaeological paradise.” Every excavation reveals the country’s rich history and heritage.

The minister pointed out the global media’s campaign to create fear about Iran and present a distorted image of the country. He affirmed that there are serious and strategic programs in place to change global public perception and counter this narrative.

Highlighting the private sector as a cornerstone of tourism infrastructure, Salehi Amiri mentioned 2,700 active projects across the country with a total investment of 570 trillion tomans. He emphasized that facilitating investment and delegating responsibilities to the private sector is the government’s main strategy. The government’s policy focuses on stepping back from executive roles and prioritizing oversight and support.

Salehi Amiri also described diplomatic efforts to attract tourists as part of the government’s policy, noting, “We have engaged in discussions with tourism ministers of many countries, stressing that government relations should not hinder connections between nations.”

He referred to Iran’s 1,400 hotels and 455,000 beds, adding that to achieve the seventh development plan’s goal of attracting 15 million tourists, infrastructure must be transformed. The number of beds must reach one million, along with the need for 550 airplanes and expanded railway networks.

Discussing over fifty individual and group meetings with private investors, Salehi Amiri identified bureaucracy, limited financial aid, and tax issues as the main challenges raised, underscoring the need to address them.

He noted that 550 hotels are under construction, requiring 370 trillion tomans for completion. Following negotiations, 150 trillion tomans in loans will be provided by the Central Bank, and 50 trillion tomans by the National Development Fund. Priority will be given to projects that are more than 70% complete.

In conclusion, Salehi Amiri stressed that embassies must actively promote tourism in target countries.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Ambassador H.E Muhammad Mudassir Tipu welcomed the members of the rally. He appreciated the bikers for their efforts to promote adventure tourism between the neighbor countries. He further added that such efforts paly great role in strengthening bilateral relations through promotion of tourism attractions, culture and people-to-people contacts.

Ambassador Tipu emphasized on the potential of tourism between both neighbors, who share 900 km border and have cultural similarities. We are taking measures to explore the commonness of cuisine, language, dress and tradition between Pakistan and Iran, he added.

The bikers rally led by Mr. Muqarram Tareen Khan thanked the Ambassador and both Governments to facilitate their tours. The members of rally were also presented certificates of appreciation by the Ambassador.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) –Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has stressed the necessity to enhance the tourism industry to diversify the sources of national income and diminish the country’s reliance on oil.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) –Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has stressed the necessity to enhance the tourism industry to diversify the sources of national income and diminish the country’s reliance on oil.

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Speaking in a press conference which was held at Espinas Hotel of Tehran on the sidelines of introducing new tourist attractions of Malaysia, Director of Tourism Malaysia in the Middle East Ms. Rosnah Mustafah touched upon the advantages of tourism attractions in Malaysia comparing to its neighboring states.

She said that during the pandemic that the borders were closed, Malaysia improved its tourist attractions and now tourists from many countries can enjoy these attractions. She reiterated that Malaysia is a multicultural country and tourists who like this type of country can visit Malaysia, adding that by the way Malaysia is rich in beautiful natural sceneries and also other man-made attractions. She noted that Tourism Malaysia has put on its agenda expansion of flights between Iran and Malaysia and Air Arabia is one of airlines which have flights to Kuala Lumpur.

She said that the second biggest tower of the world is in Malaysia, adding that the Genting Highlands as one of the biggest tourist attraction has been renovated during the pandemic and it is now ready to tourists especially from Iran.

She added that in 2022, Malaysia hosted some 9 million tourists and now the country is working to increase the number of visiting tourists to the pre-pandemic level.

She reiterated that Malaysia, through promotion, tries to increase the number of visiting tourists to 15.6m with annual earnings of 47.6b ringgits.

She noted Iranians have been one of the major visitors of Malaysia as the number of Iranian visitors to Malaysia hit 46559 in 2019 before the pandemic. She added that Malaysian Government has allocated 200m ringgits in the 2023 budget for improving its tourism through promotion and improving infrastructures to attract more foreign tourists.

Ms. Mustafah is leading Malaysian delegation attending the international Tehran Tourism Exhibition, as Tourism Malaysia, along with six group of tourism industry activists of Malaysia,  is promoting Malaysia’s tourism attractions in this 4-day.

Meanwhile in the presser, Ambassador of Malaysia to Iran Mr. Khair Omar briefed the participants in the presser of his programs for broadening tourism cooperation between the two countries especially in the post-pandemic era.

He said that after the pandemic, everything is getting normal and the pandemic era has been a good time for study how to improve tourism and bringing back it to the pre-pandemic era. He went on to say that Iran and Malaysia have good relations and both countries know each other well. He stressed that in the past, the number of Iranians in Malaysia reached tens of thousands but the figure has declined due to different reasons and now Malaysia is working to increase the number of Iranian visitors to more than 100,000 per year.

Mr. Omar noted that his role is to broaden tourism between the two countries either bringing tourists from Malaysia to Iran or encouraging Iranians to visit Malaysia. She added that Iranians need no visas for the14-day stay in Malaysia  and they need to get visas for staying 60 days and the embassy eases visa process for them. He reiterated that the embassy has programs to boost tourism cooperation between Iran and Malaysia and said he seeks cooperation and help of the media.

Then Chairman of Iran Travel Agencies Mr. Hormatollah Rafiei said that there are several flights to Malaysia which can ease travel to Malaysia but they are connected flights and talks are underway for launching more direct flights which will boost tourism between Iran and Malaysia. He added that both sides are working to increase tourism cooperation to the past level that five airlines used to cooperate.

He also reiterated sanctions have no place in tourism because tourism is the turning point in connection of people and it is opposed to any war and Malaysia has been one of the destinations for Iranian tourists which has been affected by the pandemic and it will definitely bounce back to the past level.

Then sales manager of Air Arabia in Iran Mr. Ashkan Shahsavari Shirazi explained the plans of this airline for boosting tourism cooperation between Iran and Malaysia and said that the airline has started its work in Iran 7 months ago and it has flights from Sharjah to three Iranian cities of Tehran, Mashhad and Shiraz, adding that the airline will increase its flight to Malaysia to three flights per week from late March for Iranians’ new year.

He then explained the advantages of his airline to other airlines serving the passengers.

Meanwhile in the presser, Tourism Malaysia Marketing Manager in Tehran Office Mr. Farhad Jaafari explained more about the programs of Tourism Malaysia for attracting tourists especially from Iran.

Then in meeting with tour operators and travel agencies officials, Malaysian officials introduced the tourism attractions and facilities for Iranian tourists.

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Caption: (R to L) Tourism Malaysia Marketing Manager in Tehran Mr. Farhad Jaafari, Chairman of Iran Travel Agencies Mr. Hormatollah Rafiei, Ambassador of Malaysia to Iran Mr. Khair Omar, Director of Tourism Malaysia in the Middle East Ms. Rosnah Mustafah and sales manager of Air Arabia in Iran Mr. Ashkan Shahsavari Shirazi attend a press conference at Espinas Hotel of Tehran on Feb7.

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During his opening remarks, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Iran G.M.V. Wishwanath Aponsu introduced Sri Lanka as a country of natural wonders, historical momentous, unique lifestyles with more delicious typical cuisine, friendly people and safe & secure destination. Highlighting the recent growth of Iranian tourists’ floor to Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan envoy appreciated the significant role of tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and relevant others for achieving the present progress of tourist arrivals. Further, he made an open and friendly request to all represented tourism stakeholders in the Promotion Program to encourage the friendly people of Iran to continue visiting in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan tourism is ready to welcome them with their required facilities with great hospitalities.

During the productive discussion of the Program which was contributed by the four panelists, Deputy President for International Affairs, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture Dr. Alireza Yavari, Expert of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran Mohammad Deldari, Airline Specialist Majid Singh and Former Secretary General of the Air Transport and Tourist Agencies Faramarz Saeedi highlighted Sri Lanka as unique and affordable tourist destination. Several suggestions including the need of operating direct air link between Iran and Sri Lanka, conducting regular tourism awareness programmes, convening B2B meetings between the both Chambers, introducing reasonable tour packages, initiating FAM tour campaigns, providing publicity through electronic and print media and facilitating for bilateral instruments were also discussed.

In response, Ambassador Wishwanath Aponsu pointed out that the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tehran is in the process of working on some proposals in coordination with the concerned authorities of Sri Lanka and Iran with a focus on expanding two-way tourism floor between the two countries. In this scenario, he emphasized all tourism related stakeholders of both countries have a significant role to proceed the proposals and expressed that  reaching for rapid growth expected in tourism is “leave no one behind”. On behalf of the Iran Tourist Association, Saeedi thanked the Sri Lanka Embassy for timely organizing the tourism event and assured his Association fullest support to expand two-way tourism.

The event was attended by over 65 participants working in Iran tourism industry, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Foreign Ministry, airlines, media personnel and prominent business people. The invitees were treated to a reception with several Sri Lankan typical food items with Ceylon tea taste.

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In a meeting on Monday, Einollahi welcomed the exchange of medical services and equipment by the two countries, referring to the memorandum of understanding signed in various fields.

He called for the elimination of bureaucratic barriers to the activities of doctors and the exchange of medicines, referring to the provision of education for students of the two countries.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Einollahi announced his readiness to hold a joint congress of Iranian and Syrian medical sciences. “As U.S. sanctions continued, the difficulty of COVID-19 control increased, however, we strived to handle it.”

Arnous, for his part, said that there is a need to increase the exchange of medical research, especially now that there is ample opportunity for collaboration.

He further emphasized that Syria would support any agreement between the two countries to promote health.

Sanctions for countries bring more solidarity and we must stay together, he further noted.

Rise in pharmaceuticals, medical productions

The import of pharmaceuticals has declined in Iran by 91 percent, which shows the capability of the country’s pharmaceutical industry, Mohammad Reza Shanehsaz, former head of the Food and Drug Administration, said last October.

Today, all medicine used in the treatment of coronavirus are produced by domestic manufacturers, and if we wanted to import all the items, there would be a high exchange rate, he further stated, emphasizing that COVID-19 vaccine development indicates the pharmaceutical industry’s capability.

In 2018, 67 percent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used to produce drugs in Iran were made locally.

A total of 227 knowledge-based firms are supplying medical equipment for health centers across the country, according to the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology.

Knowledge-based companies can produce any medicine effective in countering coronavirus or approved by the scientific committee within a week to 10 days, Sourena Sattari, vice president for science and technology, said.

In January 2021, the Headquarters for Executing the Order of the Imam unveiled three raw pharmaceuticals and a new anti-coronavirus drug called Ivermectin, which had been previously imported.

Also, Iran is capable of production of biopharmaceuticals, which has so far reached 28 items, making Iran the third leading country in Asia.

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After meeting with some officials of Iranian travel agencies as hotel officials, the Malaysian officials attended a press conference to brief the media on the goals of this visit to Tehran.

Mr. Abdul Wahab first briefed the reporters of the current tourism condition in Malaysia and said Malaysia reopened its border to tourists on May 1 and now the country is ready to host tourists from every country. He said that the pandemic affected tourism industry in Malaysia and according to the prediction of the UNWTO, it will take two or three years Malaysian tourism industry to return to the pre-pandemic condition in 2019.

He went on to say that during the pandemic and closure of the borders, Malaysia worked hard to improve the infrastructures for attracting more tourists and the country has earmarked over 8.6b ringgit credit for tourism infrastructures for attracting 2m tourists by the yearend.

He said that during this period, Malaysia has constructed or renovated its tourist resorts and parks in order that the country can compete in tourism with other countries.

On cooperation with Iran on tourism, Abdul Wahab reiterated that Iran is one of the important markets in the Middle East for Malaysia and his country has focused on Iranian families and his delegation has talked with Iranian travel agencies.

He went on to say that Malaysia for some years due to the pandemic and other problems had lost Iran’s market but Malaysia is determined to provide suitable condition for return of Iranian tourists to Malaysia and it is in talks with Iranian tour operators and travel agencies. He invited media and reporters to help the condition to return to the pre-pandemic era.

He reiterated that Iran is important for Malaysia and for this reason this country is the first destination for the delegation for talks, noting that Malaysia is cheaper than countries like Singapore.

Then Senior Director at International Promotion Division Asia/Africa of Tourism Malaysia Mr. Manoharan Periasamy said that Tourism Malaysia has signed agreements with Emirates and Qatar airways for increasing flights to Malaysia and it will help tourists from Iran and other West Asian countries to easily travel to Malaysia. He reiterated that the goal of Tourism Malaysia is to offer best and quality services with the lowest cost.

He said Malaysia is one of the best countries in terms of transportation for tourists as the visitors can have access to their tourist attractions in the shortest time.

Meanwhile Charge d’Affaires of Malaysia in Tehran Mr. Nizam Halimi said that the embassy tries to encourage Malaysian tourists to come to Iran but encouragement is not by itself enough and Iran like Malaysia should improve its tourism infrastructures in the international levels.

He said Iran is a beautiful country with four seasons and many Malaysians inquire for visiting the country and the embassy helps them.

On trade between the two countries, he said both countries have worked hard to increase their trade volume and their trade was some $1b in 2020. He also invited Iranians to attend an exhibition on halal products which is to be held in Malaysia.

Meanwhile Abdul Wahab reiterated that Tourism Malaysia has plans in Iran for promoting tourism of his country and called on the media for promotion.

Meanwhile Chairman of Iran Travel Agencies Association Mr. Hormatollah Rafiei welcomed efforts to cooperate in tourism between Iran and Malaysia and said the flight between Iran and Malaysia is the main hurdle for boosting tourism but he is sure Iranians will choose Malaysia as their tourist destination. He reiterated that there are still many people who like to visit Malaysia and both countries should start joint promotional programs. He also urged Malaysia officials to encourage their nationals to visit Iran and it will encourage the airlines to increase flights between the two states.

After the press conference and in a meeting, some of Malaysian tourism activists and hotel and resorts representatives had brief presentations about the services that they can provide for visitors.

CAPTION: (From Left) Hormatollah Rafiei, Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Manoharan Periasamy, Nizam Halimi and Marketing Manager of Tourism Malaysia in Iran Mr. Farhad Jafari are seen at the press conference

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