TEHRAN - In a pivotal announcement, the mayor of Tehran, Alireza Zakani, has revealed the city's proactive readiness to host the forthcoming UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism.

This declaration transpired during a high-profile discussion with Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on Monday, shedding light on Tehran's ambitions to become a prominent hub for international urban tourism.

The bustling atmosphere of the 17th International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition in Tehran has been heightened as UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili made a notable visit to the Iranian capital. The event, drawing industry professionals from across the nation and representatives from 11 countries globally, marks a significant crossroads for collaborative endeavors between governmental and private sectors within the dynamic realm of tourism.

City municipalities worldwide, particularly those in major cities and capitals, stand as central figures in shaping commercial, cultural, economic, and recreational hubs. Boasting advanced transportation infrastructure, including extensive airports and terminals, vibrant markets, and recreational areas, these municipalities provide an ideal backdrop for the flourishing development of urban tourism.

Urban tourism, characterized by purposeful exploration of city areas to indulge in attractions and make use of city facilities and services, takes center stage. Urban regions, adorned with historical and cultural attractions such as museums, memorials, theaters, sports stadiums, parks, amusement parks, historic architecture, and sites tied to significant events or famous individuals, are internationally acknowledged as prime destinations for urban tourism.

On the sidelines of the ongoing tourism exhibition, Zakani and UNWTO Secretary-General convened at the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourism Zone. Their discussions delved into urban tourism development and the strategic utilization of city management capacities to effectively showcase the tourism attractions of the Iranian capital.

During the meeting, Zakani provided valuable insights into Tehran's tourism capacities and highlighted recent initiatives by Tehran Municipality. He expressed Tehran's eagerness to host the prestigious UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism.

The gathering also witnessed the active participation of key figures, including Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, Deputy of Tourism at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism; Hamidreza Sarami, Deputy of Urban Planning and Architecture at Tehran Municipality; and Seyed Mohammad-Hossein Hajazi, CEO of the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourism Zone.

The 17th Iran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition 2024 has kicked off at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground on February 12. This three-day-long exhibition is considered Iran's premier tourism industry event and seeks to not only showcase the tourism potential of the Iranian capital but also extend a warm welcome to enthusiasts and professionals in the field of tourism.