Government backs tourism operators prioritizes pilgrimage medical tourism deputy minister

Government backs tourism operators, prioritizes pilgrimage, medical tourism: deputy minister

TEHRAN – The Iranian government has put support for tourism operators through facilitation measures at the center of its agenda and sees pilgrimage and medical tourism as sustainable drivers of the sector’s development, a senior tourism official said.

Talking to Miras Aria, Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpei, deputy tourism minister at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, said the government has prepared and begun implementing a comprehensive package aimed at rebuilding confidence, strengthening target markets and holding international tourism and handicrafts exhibitions.

He said Iran’s tourism sector is being managed through coordinated planning and targeted strategies to restore, stabilize and reinforce its position in domestic and international markets amid changing regional and global conditions.

“The nature of tourism is based on trust-building and the continuity of international relations,” Mohseni-Bandpei said, adding that the administration has focused on strengthening infrastructure, diversifying target markets and activating underused tourism capacities, with results expected to emerge gradually.

He said active tourism diplomacy and effective participation in major international tourism exhibitions remain key strategies to maintain and improve Iran’s share of the global tourism market, with a more professional and coordinated approach to presenting the country’s tourism offerings.

Mohseni-Bandpei described pilgrimage and medical tourism as strategic and sustainable pillars of tourism development, saying [a series of proposed] regulations for health and medical tourism are in the final stages of approval. He added that the launch of a national medical tourism brand would strengthen institutional coordination among relevant agencies.

The official also referred to the upcoming Tehran International Tourism Exhibition, scheduled to be held from Feb. 12 to Feb. 15, saying the ministry aims to organize a coordinated and high-quality event showcasing Iran’s tourism and handicrafts capacities.

The exhibition will provide an opportunity to present the tourism potential of all 31 provinces, particularly emerging destinations, he said, noting that a similar approach last year led to growth in several provinces.

On private sector support, Mohseni-Bandpei said the government continues to assist travel agencies, hotels and tourism businesses by easing regulations and removing obstacles, with tailored support packages under review.

He added that measures have been taken to manage services for foreign tourists during sensitive periods, saying coordination among relevant bodies ensured orderly service provision and departures.

AM

source: tehrantimes.com