TEHRAN - The Secretary of the National Committee for nature tourism has revealed a plan to identify various cities as green tourist sites in Iran.

Additionally, plans have been revealed to carry out a long-overdue overhaul of ecotourism regulations, marking 18 years since their last update. 

At the second National Symposium on Green Tourism, a side event of the 17th International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition in Tehran, Mohammad Jahanshahi emphasized the need for strategic changes in the tourism industry. He pointed to ongoing developments, such as legal expansions in the seventh development plan, increased weekly holidays, eased entry for foreign tourists, and streamlined business licensing processes. These changes aim to boost public involvement and ensure the sustainable growth of the tourism sector in the country. 

Jahanshahi highlighted the importance of focusing on sustainable and green tourism. The regulations of the National Committee for nature tourism have undergone significant revisions after 18 years. These changes have received approval in expert sessions of the government's Cultural and Social Commission and are pending final approval from the Cabinet.

Moreover, with the cooperation of relevant authorities, green cities are set to be introduced.

Farnaz Nikkhah, a secretary of the symposium, outlined the event's objectives, including analyzing educational projects, enhancing skills, investing in sustainable infrastructures, and addressing global shifts toward a greener planet through panels and scientific workshops.

Nikkhah emphasized that Iran's tourism industry faces challenges and opportunities related to sustainable tourism, and addressing these concerns is achievable through the industry's eco-friendly transformation.

The 17th International Exhibition of Tourism and Related Industries in Tehran coincided with the second National Symposium on Tourism and Green Investment. 

The symposium aims to shed light on tourism activities aligned with environmental standards and has kicked off from February 13 at the Green Hall of the Tehran International Permanent Fairground.

This national event aims to elaborate on sustainable tourism services that are environmentally friendly and enhance social responsibility. By inviting scholars, scientific organizations, industry associations, and researchers specialized in this field, the goal is to explore the latest scientific and global topics related to green investment in the country's tourism ecosystem.

The 17th Iran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition 2024 started at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground on February 12. This three-day-long exhibition is considered Iran's premier tourism industry event and seeks to not only showcase the tourism potential of the Iranian capital but also extend a warm welcome to enthusiasts and professionals in the field of tourism.