TEHRAN – Iran’s East Azarbaijan province will organize a tourism startup competition, which will be held in its capital Tabriz from September 5 to 7. 

The objective of the program is to come up with pioneering proposals for implementation of emerging technologies and startups based on new business models.

The organizers hail any tech-based or non-technological, early-stage or more mature startups with innovative ideas capable of revolutionizing travel across the northwestern province. 

“The purpose of this event is to explore original ideas form activists and advocates of traveling… We hope it to yield fruits [such as] creating new businesses and consequently, the development of tourism,” Farshad Rostami, a local tourism official, said.

“The first three winners will be qualified to compete against other selected startups on a national scale,” he added, CHTN reported.

Those interested in participating can obtain more information and submit their applications through the program’s website at www.hitourismstartups.ir.

The event is organized with provincial tourism department in partnership with Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, the University of Tabriz, Tabriz Municipality and the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research.

Iran follows extensive plans to bolster its tourism sector. Under its 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, the country is expecting to increase the number of tourism arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.

AFM/PA