Iran expands tourism diplomacy in Riyadh meetings

Tehran, IRNA – Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri held separate meetings on Sunday with senior officials from several countries, including Indonesia, China, India, Iraq, Tajikistan, Armenia, and Uzbekistan, to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in tourism.

The meetings were held on the sidelines of the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Riyadh, where Salehi-Amiri focused on strengthening tourism diplomacy, cultural ties, and scientific and people-to-people exchanges.

Highlighting Iran’s unique cultural, civilizational, and natural heritage, he said, “Iran, with its remarkable cultural, climatic, and historical diversity, is ready to take effective steps toward expanding cooperation in tourism, cultural heritage, handicrafts, and research with friendly and partner countries.”

The minister also underlined that the level of tourist exchange between Iran and many regional countries remains below expectations.

“The real, beautiful, and cultural image of Iran must become better known to the world,” he said. “We are ready to host tourists from various countries and, at the same time, to facilitate the dispatch of Iranian tour operators and tourism professionals abroad.”