A ceremony to mark the “World Tourism Day” in the attendance of H.E. Mr. Zarghami the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of the Islamic Republic of Iran was held on Monday 3 October 2022 in the National Museum of Iran. The ECO representatives, including Amb. J.Asanov, the ECO Deputy Secretary General and Mr. J.Rajabov, Director for Tourism participated in this meeting. Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Agencies along with other guests also attended in this event.
In his opening remarks H.E. Mr. Zarghami expressed his appreciation for the support of the government and the parliament to the tourism industry and all the public and private sector activists in Iran. The Minister of Cultural Heritage stated that Tourism Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding with three other ministries during the tourism week, which shows the importance of Tourism for all. He emphasized, while 20% of students' time should be devoted to education outside of school, part of this 20% can be devoted to tourism and travel agencies should organize specialized tours in this regard. Concluding his remarks he added: “We should all be together, join hands and be connected like a chain. We should support the private sector, and whenever an investor or a person from the private sector approaches us, we must follow up their request seriously. This support should be done in such a way that the regulatory bodies doubt that this public administrator may have a stake in the project.
Mr. Zorab Pololikashvili, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization had also sent a video message for this ceremony. In his message he mentioned that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a valuable member of our organization (World Tourism Organization) and is also an emerging tourism destination that is famous for its rich history, culture, warm and sincere hospitality and is a main hub for science and innovation in the region. He added:” Rethinking tourism is our commitment in order to do our duties in a better ways on the basis of previous achievements to restore and create opportunities, both in Iran and throughout South Asia. I wish you all a happy and inspiring World Tourism”
In the continuation of this ceremony, Ali Asghar Shalbafian, Deputy Tourism Minister of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts also considered the tourism week as an opportunity for planning and thinking together for the coming years.
*Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on September 27. This date was chosen as on that day in 1970, the Statutes of the UNWTO were adopted. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism.
