Iran-Oman Tourism Pact Elevates Marine Economy And Forges New Regional Ties

Published on December 8, 2025

The establishment of a pivotal agreement between Iran and Oman has been announced, signaling the commencement of an entirely new and expansive chapter for the region’s marine-based economy. This crucial development, which is expected to substantially boost marine-based tourism initiatives, was brought to public attention by Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, the esteemed Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts. The announcement was made during his visit to Markazi province on a Saturday evening, underscoring the government’s serious commitment to a comprehensive national strategy that integrates both coastal and inland cultural capacities.

It was highlighted that, following the recent understandings reached with the Omani Minister of Heritage and Tourism, a significant increase in maritime traffic is anticipated, with a large number of ships expected to begin sailing to Iranian ports. The immediate effect of this measure is the accelerated activation of sea-based tourism capacities, a core pillar in the drive for national economic diversification and international image building. The development of this vital sector is believed to be instrumental in achieving broader economic prosperity, alongside the much-needed generation of employment opportunities and the crucial attraction of foreign tourists, thereby firmly establishing Iran’s reputation internationally as both a safe and highly attractive destination. The official confirmation of this bilateral commitment was subsequently reported by the Mehr news agency, marking a moment of considerable importance for the development trajectories of both nations.

A Foundation for Maritime Prosperity

The formalization of the cooperation agreement between Iran and Oman followed high-level discussions between Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri and Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, the Omani Minister of Heritage and Tourism. These discussions were successfully conducted on the sidelines of the prestigious 26th General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in Riyadh in November 2025.

The overarching policy direction of Iran is firmly grounded in the expansion of regional cooperation and the activation of the extensive capacities found within the Persian Gulf region. It has been repeatedly emphasized that the expansion of maritime tourism offers benefits that extend far beyond mere financial metrics; it serves as a powerful facilitator for essential cultural and economic exchanges, and critically, it works to strengthen the human and social bonds that connect the peoples of Iran and Oman. The potential for this cooperation to be successfully established as a robust model for the entire regional area has also been noted, demonstrating a pathway for peaceful and mutually beneficial development among neighboring states.

The commitment to the marine-based economy is not simply a singular policy; it is understood as a fundamental national strategy. Consequently, the new government plans for developing this economy have been clearly outlined, focusing intently on unlocking the latent potential of the nation’s extensive coastlines. This macro policy is underpinned by the conviction that the vast maritime resources of Iran must be leveraged for sustainable growth. In a proactive measure to ensure cohesive national action, a focused meeting of coastal governors, which was attended by representatives of the Government, had been held during the preceding November.

Strategic Pillars of Enhanced Cooperation

Beyond the foundational aspect of maritime travel, the scope of the bilateral collaboration between Iran and Oman is being constructed upon several other highly significant pillars. Three main areas of immediate collaboration were specifically proposed during the ministerial meetings, all of which are designed to create a comprehensive and seamlessly integrated tourism corridor.

Firstly, a remarkable increase in the frequency of direct weekly flights between Iran and Oman was proposed. The current number of direct weekly flights, which stands at approximately 12, is planned to be dramatically expanded to 60. This five-fold increase is considered essential for supporting the expected growth in tourism and business travel, ensuring that efficient and rapid movement of passengers and goods is facilitated between the key hubs of Tehran and Muscat. Such an ambitious expansion in air connectivity is recognized as a vital logistical precondition for the success of any large-scale tourism initiative.

Unlocking the Coastal and Inland Potential

The emphasis placed upon the activation of marine-based tourism reflects a strategic recognition of the geographical advantages held by both Iran and Oman. The partnership aims to fully leverage the strategic importance of the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea, transforming these coastlines into vibrant economic and cultural hubs. The necessary coordination that was achieved during the meeting of coastal governors ensures that a unified national plan is being implemented, one that addresses the diverse needs and challenges associated with developing tourism on both northern and southern shores simultaneously. Investment action is being encouraged along these vast littoral zones, ensuring that the required infrastructure, including new ports, luxury cruise terminals, and associated coastal amenities, is developed to the highest international standards.

Economic and International Ramifications

The comprehensive suite of agreements and proposals is designed with the clear objective of maximizing the economic returns for both nations. The development of the marine-based economy is intrinsically linked to the creation of vast new job opportunities across the coastal regions, ranging from employment in port logistics and shipping to service roles in hospitality and related travel industries. This injection of capital and activity is expected to drive significant regional economic prosperity, moving beyond dependence on traditional industries.