Iran seeks to boost tourism cooperation with China

Pars Today – A specialized meeting on strengthening tourism cooperation between Iran and China was held on Friday evening at the Iranian Embassy in Beijing, attended by officials, tourism professionals and companies from both countries.

According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, Iran’s Ambassador to China, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, referred to the longstanding ties between the two countries along the Silk Road, saying the route had historically facilitated not only the exchange of goods and products but also the sharing of culture, art, music and traditions. He described today’s tourism professionals as successors to the historic caravan leaders, saying they could use modern facilities and technology to strengthen ties between the two peoples more rapidly.

Rahmani Fazli stressed the need to lay the groundwork for future cooperation and expressed readiness to remove obstacles and better organize tourism relations. He also described China as an important partner for Iran, noting that both countries seek peace and security in the region. He said preparations should begin now to expand cooperation and increase China’s share of Iran’s tourism market.

At the meeting, Karduni, a representative of Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, referred to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and China, describing 2026 as an opportunity to move beyond dialogue and into action.

“China must become one of Iran’s most important tourism partners, and this goal cannot be achieved without the direct involvement of travel agencies and tour operators from both countries,” he stressed.

Introducing Iran as a new, authentic destination offering Chinese tourists a wealth of experiences, he put forward five specific proposals to begin the practical phase of cooperation: immediately establishing a joint platform for Iranian and Chinese travel agencies and tour operators; designing and offering at least three tailor-made Iran tour packages for the Chinese market; organizing familiarization tours of Iran for Chinese travel agency managers and journalists; expanding services needed by Chinese tourists, including Chinese-speaking guides and payment facilities; and setting a quantitative target and a clear timetable for tourist arrivals.

Representatives of Chinese tourism companies and organizations expressed satisfaction with their experience of working with Iran, describing the Iranian people as hospitable and honorable. They also characterized Iran as a destination offering high added value and strong profitability for Chinese travel agencies, and emphasized Chinese tourists’ interest in visiting the country.