TEHRAN – Travel insiders from Tunisia and Iran convened in Tehran for a significant meeting on Monday aimed at fostering collaboration in the tourism sector.

Hosted by private-sector tourism professionals, the gathering was geared toward building bridges for deeper cooperation between the tourism industries of the two nations, fostering mutual understanding, and laying the groundwork for future joint ventures in the dynamic field of travel and tourism.

The meeting agenda encompassed various initiatives, including immersive tours designed specifically for Tunisian tourism stakeholders to explore Iran's diverse attractions. Additionally, a bilateral business-to-business (B2B) session was organized, fostering direct engagement and potential partnerships between the private sectors of both countries. The focus extended to initiatives aimed at promoting cultural exchanges, emphasizing the unique cultures of both nations, IRNA reported.

Hadi Ajili, Iran’s cultural attaché in Tunisia, had previously announced negotiations and visits to tourism attractions in Tehran and Qeshm Island by private sector actors and managers of international tourism agencies from Tunisia, the news agency said.

Tunisia is among the 32 countries recently granted one-sided visa exemptions by the Iranian government. In this context, negotiations between private and governmental stakeholders of these countries are in progress to strengthen tourism relations.

During this meeting, emphasis was placed on generating joint specialized content for audiences and the public. Particularly highlighted was the introduction of Iranian attractions, especially Iranian cuisine, which is expected to have special appeal for Tunisians.

Tunisian tourism activists also shared their experiences in organizing group tours to Iran and highlighted the significant aspects of Iranian hospitality, cuisine, and diverse historical and cultural artifacts.

The Tunisian group in this meeting emphasized the importance of advertising in Tunisia due to the country's small size, with a population of approximately 20 million, roughly equivalent to the population of Tehran [province], the report said.

Tunisian tourism activists explained that historical sites, museums, culture, shopping, and music are of interest to Tunisians. Considering the current difficulty Tunisians face in obtaining European visas, the visa exemption for Tunisian citizens and their travels to Iran was deemed intriguing.

Moreover, the meeting emphasized the launch of direct flights, the implementation of familiarization tours, and bilateral advertising efforts by tourism activists from our country.

As per the predetermined program, Tunisian travel activists visited tourist attractions in Qeshm Island and Tehran during their trip to Iran.

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 27 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

AFM