TEHRAN - On Tuesday, the University of Tehran hosted an international conference attended by prominent figures from the travel sector, including Iran’s tourism minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, as well as some foreign ambassadors, diplomats and university professors.

The event attracted a wide range of academic experts who discussed the pivotal role of tourism in fostering peace, cultural exchange, and economic gains.

In the event, Roshandel Arbatani, the dean of the Faculty of Management at the University of Tehran, emphasized the significant contribution of tourism to the global economy, stating that the industry accounts for 5% of global exports and 10% of the world’s GDP. He expressed optimism about Iran’s tourism potential, given the country’s rich natural and historical attractions.

“Iran ranks fifth in the world for natural attractions and tenth for historical sites,” Arbatani stated.

He pointed out that neighboring countries such as Qatar, the UAE, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia collectively possess only half of Iran’s tourism assets in terms of cultural and natural sites. He underscored the necessity of collaboration between academia and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of enhancing the country’s tourism industry.

In a passionate call for strengthened ties between the academic sector and the ministry, Arbatani noted, “We need to bolster our cooperation with this ministry and lay the groundwork for impactful partnerships.”

He concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude for the participation of the minister and other officials in the conference.

Seyyed Hossein Hosseini, President of the University of Tehran, also addressed the audience, highlighting the critical role of higher education in developing a robust tourism sector.

“The tourism industry is not only integral to cultural exchange but also significantly impacts economic growth,” he said. He emphasized Iran’s unique opportunities for tourism and acknowledged the challenges in leveraging these prospects.

“A well-trained workforce is essential for the growth of the tourism industry. We are ready to collaborate with both the public and private sectors to address this challenge.”

He pointed to the strategic tourism framework set out by the government, which delineates clear responsibilities for educational institutions in fostering tourism development.

Daoud Houmanian, Head of the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Tehran, outlined the conference’s goals and its alignment with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage’s initiatives.

“Tourism is one of the most crucial industries in the world today,” he noted, highlighting its role as a bridge between cultures and nations, and a foundation for peace.

He stressed that a thriving tourism sector requires robust infrastructure, stating, “Without proper infrastructure, tourism cannot flourish.”

Houmanian further emphasized Iran’s status as one of the safest destinations for international travelers. “Today, we see foreign tourists visiting Iran without worries, as our country is indeed very secure,” he stated.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Houmanian referenced the Iranian president’s commitment to enhancing diplomacy and promoting peace as vital components of a successful tourism strategy.

The conference also addressed various facets of the tourism industry, including health and wellness tourism, nature tourism, cultural tourism, and the intersection of technology and tourism. Discussions highlighted the importance of each segment in enhancing the overall visitor experience and increasing Iran’s attractiveness as a travel destination.

Iran’s tourism industry witnessed a 21% upsurge in 2023, signaling a strong recovery in the post-COVID-19, according to data compiled by the World Travel and Tourism Council. According to the WTTC, the increase was part of a broader recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the industry plummet by 45% in 2020.

The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 28 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

AM