ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri attended the 17th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition, on February 12, 2024.  Graced by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran H.E. Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, the occasion was also attended by the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran H.E. Mr. Ezzatollah Zarghami, Secretary General of the UN Tourism Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, and Secretary General of Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Mr. Pornchai Danvivathana. 

In his remarks during the opening ceremony of the event, H.E. Dr. Ebrahim Raisi announced Iran’s recent decision regarding cancellation of some tourist visas as an important measure for facilitating international travel. He further noted that 277 medical centers in the country are ready to receive health tourists, and medical treatment in Iran is considered as cheaper, easier and more effective by regional health tourists. 

H.E. Mr. Ezzatollah Zarghami stated that with visa cancellations with some countries, it is now possible for more than 50% of the world’s population to travel to Iran without visa. He also added that Iran has capacities in various fields in tourism, and for this purpose 30 specialized tourism desks have been established in the Ministry.

The Secretary General of the United Nations Tourism Organization, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized that growth of the tourism sector in Iran can lead to the promotion of cultural exchanges and economic development. 

During the event the certificates declaring the city of Yazd in Iran as ACD Tourism Capital for 2024 and the Kandovan village in Eastern Azerbaijan province as the Best Tourism Village were also presented. The exhibition will be open till 15 February 2024.