TEHRAN - The CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization has announced a tenfold year-on-year increase in the arrival of foreign tourists on the coral Island during the last Persian year [Mar. 2023-Mar. 2024].

Talking to ISNA, Rahim Sarhangi highlighted that Kish Island, being a pioneer of the free zone model in Iran, should serve as a prototype for the country's economic future.

“Kish Island, often referred to as the ‘gem of the Persian Gulf’, has seen fluctuating periods of attention and neglect over the years,” Sarhangi noted. “Yet has always maintained a leading position in terms of development compared to the mainland.”

The island's free zone status offers an opportunity for the economic expansion of the country, according to the official.

Kish Island is ramping up efforts to become a more attractive destination for both domestic and international travelers through a new summer campaign, as announced by Sarhangi.

This initiative, aimed at sustaining it through the end of the year, seeks to capitalize on the growing interest from foreign tourists who find the island a cost-effective destination, yielding significant revenue potential.

In light of the tenfold increase in foreign visitors, primarily from Iraq, with substantial inbound flights from Dubai, Oman, and Iraq, Sarhangi emphasized the importance of enhancing infrastructure to cater to inbound tourists.

He further explained that the measures include offering diverse culinary options, improving urban signage and simplifying financial transactions for tourists, with several banks already collaborating to facilitate these enhancements.

The campaign not only targets summer tourists but plans to extend into a comprehensive international strategy post-summer, focusing particularly on neighboring countries, according to the official.

“This aligns with Kish's broader strategy,” Sarhangi further explained. “To compete more effectively in the global tourism market.”

Regarding the scale of investments, the CEO outlined that Kish saw an uptick in domestic investments following successful efforts to attract local investors in the latter half of the last year.

Moreover, on the international front, Sarhangi reported significant foreign investments from Arab countries in the commercial, residential, and hotel sectors.

Sarhangi also emphasized that by participating in various international expos, the Kish Free Zone is actively pursuing further foreign investments from neighboring states, aiming to expand and diversify its economic base.

In his concluding remarks, Sarhangi declared that this strategic move to boost tourism and investment on Kish Island reflects a comprehensive plan to enhance the island's economic status and global appeal, promising a bright future for this jewel of the Persian Gulf.

Sarhangi also pinpointed that with free zones, for the most part, being managed by the private sector, the slogan of this year — “Production Leap with Public Participation” — is possible to be fully implemented in these areas.

To further support this initiative, he advocated for the continuation of tax exemptions to attract investors to prevent capital flight.

The official added that Kish Island could serve as an excellent pilot for national projects, such as optimizing subsidies and transitioning towards smart city applications.

“By fostering development in Kish, the country can set an example, enhancing hope and motivation nationwide,” the CEO noted.