The Islamic Republic of Iran recently organized tourism roadshows across three major Indian cities Hyderabad, New Delhi, and Mumbai with the aim of enhancing cultural and tourism relations between Iran and India. The series of events sought to foster a positive perception of Iran, promote bilateral tourism, and open new avenues for business and cultural exchange.
In Hyderabad, the roadshow was attended by several dignitaries, including Iran’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Cultural Heritage, and Handicrafts, Ali Asghar Shalbafian; Telangana’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jupally Krishna Rao; and Iran’s Consul General in Hyderabad, Mahdi Shahrokhi. Rao spoke about Telangana’s initiatives to improve tourism infrastructure, protect heritage sites, and promote local arts and crafts, highlighting the state’s commitment to fostering a vibrant tourism environment.
Shalbafian emphasized the primary goal of the roadshow, stating that it aimed to foster a more favourable view of Iran, attract international tourists, and strengthen cultural connections between the two countries. He expressed hope that increased visitor exchanges would lead to growth in the tourism sectors of both nations.
During the New Delhi leg of the roadshow, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries, which had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “While Iran and India share strong people-to-people ties, it is unfortunate that these relations were weakened post-COVID. We need to work towards rebuilding these connections,” he said.
The roadshow also featured remarks from Mugdha Sinha, Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, who highlighted the shared cultural heritage and historical connections between the two countries. “Both countries are among the oldest civilizations in the world, sharing a rich history and gastronomical heritage. There are many Indian female students studying medicine in Iranian universities. We should promote Iran as a tourist destination and encourage Iranians to visit India for customized solo trips for women,” she said. Sinha also emphasized the potential for adventure, film, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism between the two countries and called for data-sharing to develop targeted strategies based on demand.
The roadshow also included collaborations with key organizations such as the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), and Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) to increase Iran’s visibility among their members and strengthen the tourism partnership between the two nations.