TBM Staff - Mumbai The Iran Tourism Board has successfully wrapped up its three-city roadshow in India, designed to highlight Iran’s rich cultural heritage and diverse travel opportunities. The tour kicked off in Mumbai on September 10th, moved to Hyderabad on September 12th, and concluded today in New Delhi.
The roadshow featured prominent Iranian dignitaries, including Aliasghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi, Deputy of Tourism at the Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Ministry; Moslem Shojaee, Director General for International Tourism Promotion; H.E. Mofidifar, Acting Consul General of Iran in Mumbai; and Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
The primary goal was to strengthen tourism ties between India and Iran. By engaging with Indian travel agents and tourism professionals, the Iran Tourism Board aimed to establish solid business connections and position Iran as a top travel destination. The initiative showcased 11 Iranian hoteliers and travel agents who explored business opportunities and presented diverse tourism packages. The roadshow also included collaborations with key organizations such as MTOA, TAAI, TAFI, and IATO to boost Iran’s visibility among their members.
Hosseinabadi remarked, “We are thrilled to present the beauty and historical richness of Iran to the Indian market. This roadshow has provided a unique platform to share Iran’s cultural tapestry, including our historic landmarks and renowned hospitality. We look forward to deepening our partnerships with Indian travel agents and encouraging more Indian travellers to explore the wonders of Iran.”
H.E. Mofidifar, delivered keynote address. He passionately spoke about the unshakable bond between India and Iran, spotlighting Mumbai as a vital bridge that links the two nations. He emphasized the strategic significance of the Chabahar Port project, a game-changer for regional trade and connectivity, and urged the Indian public to discover the real Iran, beyond media portrayals, through direct engagement and travel.
India has emerged as a significant source of international tourists to Iran. In 2023, Iran welcomed approximately 5,868,421 international visitors, with Indian tourists constituting a notable portion of this figure. The number of Indian visitors exceeded 58,000, reflecting a 31% increase from the previous year.
Narwekar, praised the ever-strengthening ties between India and Iran, recalling the successful hosting of an Iranian MP delegation last year. He welcomed the expansion of these relations and spoke of the bright future of cooperation between the two countries.
