TEHRAN – Iran’s Cultural Attaché to Turkmenistan has said that historical and religious bonds serve as the backbone of tourism ties among the two neighboring countries.

“Shared cultural, religious, and historical links serve as compelling factors that encourages travel between Iran and Turkmenistan,” Navid Rasouli said on Saturday.

He made the made the remarks at a meeting, held at the Art Academy in Ashgabat, attended by a number of local officials and representatives of travel agencies. 

Rasouli emphasized that tourism, as a “profitable and clean industry,” could play a significant role in economic growth, boosting related sectors such as handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and home decor. 

“Wherever tourism flourishes, it brings substantial economic benefits, promotes job creation, and fosters social equity,” he noted.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he underscored the importance of regulatory support from both governments to simplify visa processes, a long-standing challenge for travelers.

The meeting followed the second Iran-Turkmenistan Tourism Exhibition, reflecting the countries’ increasing commitment to expand tourism cooperation. As Rasouli expressed, “Through such conferences, we hope to take effective steps toward fostering greater facilitation and advancing tourism relations between Iran and Turkmenistan.”

During the session, participants explored strategies to ease travel between Iran and Turkmenistan, highlighting tourism’s economic potential.

In the event, a number of representatives from Iranian tourism companies shared insights into ways to overcome existing barriers and encourage bilateral tourism expansion.

Visa simplification outlooks was among the issues discussed. Currently, obtaining a Turkmenistan visa without an invitation and collaboration with Turkmen travel agencies can take up to a month and cost up to $200.

Last week, the capital city of Ashgabat hosted a joint tourism festival highlighting the cultural heritage and tourism potential of the two neighbors. The three-day event, which concluded on Thursday, brought together government officials, diplomats, tourism representatives, and business leaders from both countries to promote cooperation and mutual understanding.

AM