Prasenjit Chakraborty - Mumbai Hosts three-city roadshow across Mumbai, Delhi & Hyderabad
The Iran Tourism Board recently made its first foray in India with its roadshows in Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad which attracted a healthy crowd. The main objective was to enhance tourism relations between India and Iran.
By interacting with Indian travel agents and tourism professionals, the board sought to forge strong business ties and promote Iran as a premier travel destination. The delegation was headed by Aliasghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi, the Deputy of Tourism at the Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Ministry.
Speaking exclusively to TravelBiz Monitor on the sidelines of the Mumbai roadshow, Hosseinabadi highlighted that this was their inaugural roadshow in Mumbai. He noted the deep historical connection and mutual understanding between Iran and India, emphasising that tourism serves as a means to further enhance this relationship.
“Iran recently waived visa requirements for Indian travellers, leading to a 39 per cent increase in Indian tourist arrivals,” he revealed.
Hosseinabadi mentioned that currently, pilgrimage and cultural tourism are the primary attractions for Indian visitors. However, he stressed that Iran offers a wide range of tourism experiences, including nature, adventure, historical, and medical tourism etc. “Our goal is to attract all types of travellers from India,” he said.
He also encouraged Indian tourists who have not yet visited Iran to seek feedback from those who have. “Prospective travellers should inquire about Iran’s safety, hospitality, and overall appeal from those who have already been there. Our country is safe, and Iranians are known for their warm welcome to visitors,” he added.
Hosseinabadi urged people not to be misled by those trying to present a distorted image of Iran. “Certain media outlets are deliberately broadcasting misleading information,” he remarked.”
Meanwhile the event also witnessed signing an MoU between the Iranian Tour Operator Association (ITOA) and Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association (MTOA). The MoU was signed by Mostafa Shafiee Shakib, Chairman, ITOA and Vishvajeet Raja Patil, President, MTOA.
Later, Patil mentioned that ITOA aims to start a dialogue with local travel agents in India. “They want MTOA to play a key role in connecting with travel agents from Mumbai, Maharashtra. ITOA is looking to establish a regular exchange of ideas to explore ways to boost outbound tourism from India to Iran and vice versa,” Patil explained.
He mentioned that Iran has introduced a paperless visa entry system for Indian tourists, eliminating passport stamping. “This is a significant move by the Iranian government,” Patil noted.
Acknowledging that there are concerns among Indians regarding safety in Iran due to the current political situation. However, it’s a matter of time; when tourists start visiting, it will be as usual.
Shakib stated that this is just the beginning of understanding and recognising each other’s needs. “I am very happy and sincerely believe that tourists from both India and Iran will travel to each other’s countries, opening up new vistas on the tourism front,” he said.
