TEHRAN - Isfahan has announced an ambitious plan to attract over 20 million Chinese visitors in a year in a bid to bolster the tourism industry of the province.

Hamidreza Mohaqqeqian revealed this initiative on Sunday, coinciding with the auspicious birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (AS) and the commencement of the Chinese New Year, CHTN reported.

He said, among various efforts made by the provincial tourism directorate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mahan Airlines, a familiarization tour was organized recently for Chinese social media influencers in Kashan and Isfahan. 

The tour saw 11 active influencers from East Asia, particularly China, who boast a combined following of over 20 million on social media platforms, journey to Isfahan Province.

Mohaqqeqian added that during their visit, these tourism influencers explored various tourist attractions in Kashan and Isfahan, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites like Fin Garden, Imam Square (Naqsh-e Jahan), among others such as Borujerdi House, the ancient Silk Road complex, Chehel Sotoun Palace, and the cultural-historical axis of Jolfa.

Clarifying the objective behind the implementation of this plan, the official emphasized its aim to boost foreign tourism in Isfahan in 2024 and effectively promote the attractions and tourism infrastructure of the region.

Isfahan, one of the top travel destinations in Iran, seeks closer ties with China through a consulate proposal. Last year, Isfahan Mayor Ali Ghasemzadeh proposed the idea of opening a consulate office in the ancient city during his meeting with Chinese diplomats.

Ghasemzadeh stressed the need for bolstering support for Chinese people willing to visit Isfahan. “China can establish a consulate in Isfahan to help facilitate and support the travels of its nationals,” the mayor said.

He referred to the 25-year memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and China, saying there are many economic and tourism capacities embedded in the accord that should be taken advantage of.

The mayor then talked about a sister-city agreement between Isfahan and Xian, saying: “Xian has been Isfahan’s sister city for 34 years… In fact, it marks Isfahan’s first sister city… and that precedence is important for us.”

Isfahan was once a crossroads of international trade and diplomacy in Iran and now it is one of Iran’s top tourist destinations for good reasons. It is filled with many architectural wonders, such as unmatched Islamic buildings, bazaars, museums, Persian gardens, and tree-lined boulevards. It’s a city for walking, getting lost in its mazing bazaars, dozing in beautiful gardens, and meeting people.

The ancient city has long been nicknamed as Nesf-e-Jahan, which is translated into “half the world”; meaning seeing it is relevant to see half the world.

AM