UNWTO stresses importance of tourism collaboration with Iran

TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) – Iran has been sought as an important tourism destination, with growing touristic potentials in the region by United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), who has emphasized strengthening cooperation with Iran to advance sustainable tourism development. 

In a letter to Iranian Tourism Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri, UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili Pololikashvili recognized Iran’s growing influence in global tourism, according to an official statement from Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.  

The letter also praised the success of the 18th Tehran International Tourism Exhibition (TITE) held in February as a platform for international engagement.  

The proposed collaboration comes as Iran seeks to expand its tourism sector, with the UNWTO partnership offering access to global best practices, technical expertise, and sustainable development models. 

Such cooperation could significantly boost Iran’s tourism infrastructure, job creation, and economic diversification.  

In a separate correspondence, D-8 Organization Secretary-General Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam proposed enhanced tourism cooperation among member states. 

He suggested a joint meeting between private sector representatives and deputy culture ministers to develop a regional tourism roadmap.  

These developments position Iran to leverage international partnerships as it works to realize its potential as a major global tourism destination, with the UNWTO collaboration expected to bring technical and strategic benefits to the country’s tourism ecosystem.