TEHRAN - East Azarbaijan’s tourism chief has emphasized the growing importance of digital spaces in the tourism industry, stating that influencers have played a crucial role in showcasing the province’s historical and natural attractions.

Ahmad Hamzehzadeh on Thursday highlighted that influencers, through professional content creation and effective use of digital platforms, have successfully positioned East Azarbaijan as a top travel destination for both domestic and international audiences, IRNA reported.

“East Azarbaijan has witnessed significant transformations in recent years, particularly in the tourism sector, coinciding with the impactful role of travel influencers,” Hamzehzadeh noted.

The official pointed out that the region’s rich cultural infrastructure, including historical sites such as the Tabriz Historical Bazaar, Ali Shah Citadel, and the Blue Mosque, alongside unique natural attractions like the Arasbaran forests and Aras Geopark, present a vast potential for tourism development.

Considering the province’s rich cultural and natural attractions, he acknowledged that marketing and promoting East Azarbaijan has not yet reached its full potential. “Influencers in the tourism and handicrafts sectors have been key in addressing gaps in the promotion of our historical and natural sites, utilizing modern digital communication techniques to create content that resonates with contemporary travelers,” he added.

Hamzehzadeh also discussed the reciprocal trust established between tourists and destinations through influencers. The active presence of these media persons has led to a noticeable increase in visitor numbers, bolstering the local economy and enhancing tourism services.

Moreover, the official emphasized the importance of influencers participating in specialized tourism and handicrafts events, which greatly enhance the representation of local culture and attractions. “Events such as tourism exhibitions and tours offer influencers the opportunity to interact directly with local artists, artisans, and tourists, enriching the authenticity of their shared experiences.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Hamzehzadeh underscored the necessity of collaboration between government bodies and private entities with travel influencers.

He concluded by stating that the activities of tourism and handicraft influencers represent a significant and innovative step in promoting East Azarbaijan’s offerings.

According to Hamzehzadeh, East Azarbaijan welcomed over 2.6 million tourists during the recent holiday period (August 31 to September 6), highlighting a surge in travel and tourism across the province.  “Approximately 313,000 tourists stayed in official accommodations, while nearly 15,000 travelers used the province’s border terminals,” he added.

Situated in northwest Iran, East Azarbaijan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Its strategic location and historical significance make it a key player in Iran’s tourism industry, attracting visitors interested in exploring its historical depth and natural splendor.

Tabriz, the provincial capital, serves as a major tourism hub with extensive facilities and infrastructure to support large visitor numbers. Attractions such as the Tabriz Bazaar, UNESCO World Heritage site, and picturesque landscapes enhance its appeal.

AM