TEHRAN - Hamid Pour-Mohammadi who presides over Iran’s Planning and Budget Organization (PBO), has emphasized the importance of tourism as a vital driver of the nation’s economy, urging comprehensive planning to fully harness its potential.

In an interview with CHTN, Pour-Mohammadi stated, “Tourism is one of Iran’s key economic strengths, and we believe that attracting tourists is essential for our economic growth.” He noted that tourism, alongside cultural heritage and handicrafts, remains a top priority for the PBO.

The official also highlighted Iran’s rich cultural and historical heritage as a major advantage, adding that the country’s tradition of hospitality, rooted in Iranian-Islamic civilization, makes it a welcoming destination for visitors. "Iran is also one of the most affordable travel destinations in the world," he said, underlining the need for comprehensive national policies to maximize this potential.

He also pointed to the country’s natural, cultural, religious, and health tourism opportunities, along with its year-round climate, emphasizing that nationwide cultural heritage sites ensure that tourists can find significant historical and cultural landmarks in every region.

“Preserving and promoting our national and Islamic heritage is essential for the sustainability of tourism,” he added. “By doing so, we not only protect our identity but also build a stronger foundation for economic growth through tourism.”

Pour-Mohammadi also highlighted the importance of handicrafts, noting that they serve both as cultural ambassadors and drivers of economic development. “Handicrafts create employment opportunities with minimal investment and offer export potential, which is why we are committed to supporting artisans and promoting the industry.”

His remarks reflect the government’s growing focus on tourism and cultural heritage as tools for economic diversification.

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