TEHRAN – China has removed its travel advisory for Iran, an official with Iran’s tourism ministry said on Tuesday.

Moslem Shojai, who presides over the ministry’s foreign tourism marketing and development office, said that since early May, the Chinese Embassy had issued a yellow warning on its official website for its citizens, advising caution when traveling to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He added that as a result of this advisory, restrictions were imposed on individual and group travel of Chinese tourists to Iran.

Shojaei noted that following the considerable efforts of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to clarify the actual situation and complete safety of the country, the advisory for cautious travel to Iran has been lifted.

Notably, since March 15, 2023, corresponding to the 24th of Esfand 1401, Chinese citizens have been allowed to undertake tourist trips to 40 countries, including Iran, Mehr news agency reported.

According to Shojaei, there is now an opportunity for Iranian travel agencies and tour operators to benefit from the flourishing tourism market in China.

With diplomatic relations between Tehran and Beijing strengthening in recent years, Iran has set its sights on attracting millions of Chinese nationals. The move is part of the country’s broader efforts to diversify its tourism market and reduce its dependency on traditional sources of income.

Last year, Deputy Tourism Minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian announced that Chinese arrivals in the country had been soaring at a faster pace even when compared to pre-pandemic levels. “The demand for visiting Iran has been soaring among Chinese nationals,” Shalbafian said.

He made the remarks in a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Lu Ying Chuang held in Tehran’s Sa’dabad historical complex.

With its rich history, stunning architectural gems, diverse natural sites, and warm hospitality, Iran has immense potential to tap into the enormous Chinese tourist market.

AM