Iran tourism surged during the first half of the current Iranian year, attracting nearly 4.5 million visitors. Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri announced the rise during a Cabinet session attended by journalists. He said tourism returned to normal levels in October and November after the 12-day Israeli war. Salehi-Amiri predicted the country will welcome more tourists than last year.
Iran tourism now focuses on health tourism as a strategic priority. The ministry designed a comprehensive medical tourism system with several government agencies. These include the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labor, Social Security Organization, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant authorities. The ministry will unveil the system soon.
Currently, Iran attracts over one million health tourists each year. Officials aim to double this number to two million visitors by the end of the Seventh National Development Plan. They expect this growth to generate six billion euros in revenue.
The ministry improved health tourism services in provinces like Khorasan Razavi and Khuzestan. These measures help attract more visitors and enhance the overall experience.
During his recent trip to Riyadh, Salehi-Amiri met ten tourism ministers from different countries. He highlighted that Oman received $100 million in health services from Iran last year. He added that Iran plans to expand health tourism to all regional countries, strengthening its position as a medical tourism hub.
The ministry also promotes cultural, historical, and leisure tourism to attract diverse visitors. Salehi-Amiri stressed the importance of coordinated provincial and national efforts to sustain tourism growth.
With strategic planning, improved infrastructure, and international cooperation, Iran tourism is set to grow further. Officials remain confident that the country will meet ambitious targets and become a regional tourism leader.