Iran’s Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Initiatives with China, Tajikistan and Maldives Now Set to Boost Tourism, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 28, 2025

Salehi Amiri extended President M. Pezeshkian’s message, during his meeting with Sun Yeli on the sidelines of the 2nd General Assembly and 3rd Council Meeting of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, in Chongqing, China, on 26-29 Nov 2025, to the President of China, Xi Jinping, on the necessity to promote relations in cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts. This message was relayed to Minister of Culture and Tourism of China, Sun Yeli.

The forum presented an opportunity to reflect on the Iranian and Chinese rich tourism potential and cultural heritage and the deep synergy needed to promote tourism and cultural intercommunication. This expected cooperation will provide available opportunities for tourism and travelers to promote cultural intercommunication and travel.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Focus on Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts

During his address, Salehi-Amiri expressed the Iranian government’s desire to elevate the already strong ties with China, which have spanned economic, political, and cultural domains. He underlined the potential for further development in tourism and handicrafts, urging both countries to deepen their cooperation and move into a more practical phase of collaboration. Iran’s strategic geographical position and robust tourism sector provide an excellent foundation for advancing such partnerships.

The discussion emphasized Iran’s sustainable security and tourism capacities, which offer a strong foundation for further collaboration in tourism and cultural heritage preservation. Salehi-Amiri proposed creating a framework for Asian heritage cooperation, which could foster regional collaboration and enhance the soft power of participating countries. This proposal is seen as an important step in promoting mutual understanding and fostering long-term tourism exchanges that could benefit travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences.

Technological Innovation and Cooperation: Leveraging Museum Technologies and AI

One of the key points of discussion was the opportunity to leverage modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve the way cultural heritage is preserved and showcased. Salehi-Amiri suggested that Iran and China could work together to incorporate innovative museum technologies into their cultural heritage practices, thus enhancing the global appeal of both countries’ rich histories.

Iran is also exploring ways to better showcase its extensive collection of cultural artifacts through new digital platforms, which could revolutionize how tourists engage with the country’s rich heritage. Such technological advancements are expected to make cultural experiences in both Iran and China more accessible to global tourists, fostering a greater appreciation for their histories and traditions.

Promoting Cultural Exchange: Iran’s Invitation to China and Other Countries

In line with the continued efforts to strengthen ties, Salehi-Amiri invited Chinese Minister Sun Yeli to attend the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition in February 2026. The event will serve as an important platform for both Iranian and international tourism stakeholders to exchange ideas and promote tourism growth in the region. The Nowruz celebrations, which will see participation from 13 countries, were also highlighted as a prime opportunity for further cultural exchange and collaboration.

The invitation reflects Iran’s strategic focus on using cultural events to boost tourism, which is expected to attract more visitors to the country. By hosting international delegations and showcasing Iran’s rich cultural heritage, the government aims to position the country as a prime destination for global travelers seeking authentic experiences.

Expanding Cooperation with Tajikistan: Shared Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development

In addition to China, Salehi-Amiri also met with the Minister of Culture of Tajikistan, Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, during the ACHA event. The two ministers discussed strengthening cultural cooperation, preserving shared heritage, and expanding research and tourism exchanges between their countries. This cooperation is particularly significant as Iran and Tajikistan share five UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritages, which act as strong cultural bridges between the two nations.

Salehi-Amiri highlighted Iran’s commitment to enhancing ties with Tajikistan, particularly in the realms of cultural preservation and tourism development. He emphasized that Iran’s experience in heritage restoration and preservation could be beneficial to Tajikistan as both countries work to safeguard their shared cultural treasures. As part of these efforts, Salehi-Amiri proposed creating a joint mechanism for the preservation of historical monuments and cultural artifacts, as well as launching collaborative research initiatives in fields such as linguistics and archaeology.

Tourism Exchanges with Maldives: Strengthening Maritime and Cultural Ties

Furthering Iran’s commitment to expanding its cultural and tourism diplomacy, Salehi-Amiri also met with Adam Nasir Ibrahim, the Maldives Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture, and Heritage, during the ACHA conference. The two discussed Iran’s maritime tourism capabilities and the potential for future cooperation in marine-based tourism development. Salehi-Amiri offered Iran’s expertise in cultural heritage management and its extensive experience in archaeological research, restoration, and Iranology to the Maldives, positioning Iran as a valuable partner in cultural exchanges and tourism development.

Additionally, Salehi-Amiri suggested that holding an Iranian handicrafts exhibition in the Maldives could serve as a starting point for deepening cultural and artistic cooperation between the two countries. Such initiatives would help bolster tourism in both nations by attracting visitors interested in exploring diverse cultural traditions and heritage.

A Vision for Greater Cultural and Tourism Cooperation

Iran’s recent meetings with China, Tajikistan, and the Maldives represent a new phase of the country’s tourism diplomacy the country will seek to promote as an increasingly globally integrated tourism destination to exploit its unique cultural and historical assets. Strengthening collaborations with other countries in the fields of cultural diplomacy, tourism, and technology, will enable Iran to enhance its presence in the global tourism marketplace.

Travelers will benefit from Iran’s cultural jewels and rich traditions. With the growing ties with its neighbors, Iran will become a more attractive tourist destination for people all around the world.