TEHRAN - Qeshm Island is set to organize a national tourism conference aimed at highlighting its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions, positioning itself as a key destination in the Persian Gulf.

“Qeshm will be hosting the Hamsengar National Conference of the Tourism Industry of Qeshm Island from October 17 to 18 to promote tourism and its cultural, and natural attractions,” Edris Ramouz, deputy for cultural, social, and tourism affairs of the Qeshm Free Zone Organization, said on Wednesday.

He made the remarks at a press conference held in Tehran, in which he and several other officials discussed the event’s objectives and the latest developments in Qeshm’s tourism industry, including plans for new maritime routes and investment opportunities.

Ramouz, for his part, emphasized the island's rich cultural and historical background, highlighting its long-standing interactions with neighboring countries.

“Tourism is a vital tool for cultural diplomacy,” Ramouz said. “Through this conference, we aim to strengthen cultural ties with other nations and showcase the infrastructure and investment opportunities on Qeshm Island.”

He also noted that the event will feature several panels focusing on the island’s investment potential, tourism growth, and cultural exchange.

According to Ramouz, the term “Hamsengar” reflects the themes of unity and collaboration that the conference seeks to promote, particularly among peaceful nations.

One of the key announcements made at the press conference was the upcoming launch of a maritime route between Qeshm, Bandar Kong, and Oman, facilitating the exchange of tourists and promoting regional cooperation.

Ramouz confirmed that talks with Oman’s ambassador have progressed, paving the way for the new sea route.

In addition to the conference, a tourism exhibition will run alongside the event, where attendees will learn about Qeshm's rich cultural assets, including the traditional craft of shipbuilding, which has been a symbol of interaction between Qeshm and its neighboring countries for centuries.

Ambassadors from countries including the UAE, Qatar, China, Tanzania, Portugal, and Belarus are expected to attend, along with key players from the tourism industry.

The conference also aims to address the island’s tourism infrastructure, with a particular focus on the limited number of hotel accommodations.

Mohammad Rezvani, the head of Qeshm’s Hotel Association, noted that the island welcomed approximately four million tourists last year but has only 9,500 beds available.

“Plans are in place to expand capacity, especially during peak tourism seasons,” he said.

Another speaker at the event, Mohammad Farzad Mirzaei Qaleh, deputy of tourism for the free zones secretariat, noted that last year, 65 million domestic tourists and six million foreign tourists visited Iran, with two million of them traveling through the country’s free zones, including Qeshm.

Environmental sustainability will also be a priority at the conference, with plans to assess the tourism capacity of free zones to ensure that the influx of visitors does not harm the environment.

According to organizers, the Hamsengar Conference is expected to be a major platform for Qeshm Island to promote its cultural heritage and tourism potential, strengthening its role as a gateway for regional and international tourism cooperation.

Qeshm has witnessed a significant rise in tourism, as some 1.6 million visitors flocked to the island during the very first four months of this Persian year (started on March 20), a local tourism official said earlier this year.

“Qeshm Island has welcomed some 1,660,251 tourists during the first four months of this year,” Ebrahim Rostam-Gorani brought to light, adding that these tourists arrived on the island through three main routes: by sea, air, and land.

“This marks a significant increase compared to the same period last year, when 1,499,065 tourists visited Qeshm,” he further elaborated. “The data shows an increase of 161,186 tourists, representing a 10 percent rise in visitor numbers compared to the previous year.”

Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, is a jewel of southern Iran known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Spanning over 1,400 square kilometers, Qeshm is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including vast mangrove forests, salt caves, and unique geological formations. The island boasts numerous tourist attractions such as the world’s longest salt cave, the enchanting Valley of Stars, and pristine beaches.

Qeshm is also home to traditional villages, historic sites, and vibrant local markets, making it a fascinating destination for both nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts. As a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, Qeshm Island plays a significant role in promoting sustainable tourism in the region.

The island’s unique blend of natural and cultural attractions makes it a compelling destination for tourists seeking both adventure and tranquility.

AM