TEHRAN – Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali has emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding sports tourism as a key area for development.

Donyamali highlighted the significance of sports tourism and announced that comprehensive planning is already underway to enhance this sector in the coming years, CHTN reported on Saturday.

“Sports tourism is one of the vital areas we are focused on developing.” The minister also expressed optimism about the fruitful cooperation between the Ministry of Sport and Youth and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, indicating a collaborative effort to strengthen initiatives in this field.

The minister also noted that the current government is giving special attention to tourism, asserting that any activity related to tourism holds considerable importance.

“Developing sports tourism will not only attract foreign visitors but also generate revenue, create jobs, and earn foreign currency for the country,” he added.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Donyamali underscored that enhancing sports tourism can play a crucial role in promoting Iran's diverse cultural and sporting attractions to the world.

Sports tourism is a rapidly growing segment of the global tourism industry, encompassing travel for the purpose of participating in or viewing sports events. This niche market includes a wide range of activities, from international sporting events like the Olympics to local and regional competitions.

The sector helps generate substantial revenue for host destinations through spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. It also creates jobs and stimulates investment in infrastructure. Hosting sports events provides opportunities for local residents to engage in and benefit from tourism activities.

Iran’s tourism industry witnessed a 21% upsurge in 2023, signaling a strong recovery in the post-COVID-19, according to data compiled by the World Travel and Tourism Council. According to the WTTC, the increase was part of a broader recovery following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the industry plummet by 45% in 2020.

In comparison, the years 2021 and 2022 boasted growth rates of 40% and 39%, the data revealed.   As per records, Iran’s tourism sector not only expanded its share to 4.7% of the national economy in 2023 but also boosted its market value to 7400 trillion rials.

The rate of employment in this sector grew by 10.3%, with 1.6 million people working in tourism, which accounts for 6.6% of the country's total employment, according to the WTTC report.  Furthermore, WTTC forecasts that in 2024, the tourism industry in the Islamic Republic will continue its upward trajectory with a predicted growth of 12.1%, potentially reaching a market value of 8300 trillion rials.  As revealed by the annual report, foreign tourists in Iran spent a substantial 700 trillion rials in 2023, showcasing an 83.6% increase compared to the previous year.

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 28 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

AM