Isfahan hosts Global Tourism Summit with 100 tour operators from 25 countries

Written By: Paramita Sarkar

Paramita Sarkar

Story-telling has been one of my favourite passtimes and when it is about travel, every other activity seems to fall short. I started my journey as a freelancer close to two decades ago having worked with various online portals inclduding Sambhar Stories, Thirllophilia and so on. Down the years, life has rewarded me with experiences, only adding to my writing practice. Even though teaching has been my primary profession and passion, choosing the job of a travel journalist was not quite dilemmatic when selected by the esteemed editorial team of Travel And Tour World. Knowing and letting readers know about the quaint yet intriguing desintions across the globe through writing is something I always cherish and put in my best endeavour to.

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February 20, 2025 00:52 GMT+5:30

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A significant five-day tourism event commenced on Wednesday in the historic city of Isfahan, bringing together 100 tour operators from 25 countries.

This initiative aims to showcase Isfahan’s rich cultural heritage and strengthen international tourism ties.

Organized by the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, in collaboration with various governmental and private entities, the “Isfahan Tour Operator Meeting” offers an immersive experience for participants.

Attendees will explore the city’s renowned historical sites, engage with local stakeholders, and discuss strategies to enhance the region’s tourism infrastructure.

Isfahan’s mayor, Ali Qasemzadeh, highlighted the event’s importance, stating that hosting 100 international tour operators is a substantial investment in the city’s tourism sector. He emphasized that such gatherings facilitate meaningful interactions among tourism professionals, driving the industry’s growth.

Qasemzadeh noted that Isfahan has historically been a hub for cultural exchanges, attracting travellers and scholars worldwide, many of whom have lauded the city’s beauty in their writings.

Mariam Jalali-Dehkordi, the Deputy Minister for Handicrafts, praised the event’s potential to rejuvenate Iran’s tourism industry. She emphasized that the gathering not only promotes national tourism but also introduces a narrative linking Iran’s rich handicraft traditions with tourism.

Jalali-Dehkordi pointed out that contemporary travelers seek unique and engaging stories, and Isfahan, as a city of art and culture, is well-positioned to offer these experiences.

Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, the Head of Investment and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, highlighted the event’s role in countering negative perceptions about Iran, especially given recent global media portrayals.

By inviting tour operators from around the world, the event aims to present an authentic image of Iran, focusing on its safety, stability, and the hospitality of its people.

Shalbafian noted that tourism professionals play a crucial role in shaping global narratives, and their positive experiences in Isfahan can help challenge misconceptions propagated by some international media outlets.

A spokesperson for the Department of Cultural Heritage in Isfahan underscored the event’s significance in combating the adverse effects of “Iranophobia.”

With participants from 25 countries, the event provides an invaluable opportunity for tour operators to experience firsthand the city’s cultural and historical offerings.

The official emphasized that this gathering reinforces Isfahan’s global image as a centre of cultural preservation, tourism, and handicrafts, while also challenging unfair political narratives by showcasing the true essence of Iran.

Isfahan, serving as the provincial capital, is strategically located at the crossroads of Iran’s north-south and east-west trade routes. The city reached its pinnacle between the 9th and 18th centuries, notably becoming Iran’s capital under Shah Abbas the Great during the Safavid era.

Today, Isfahan stands as one of Iran’s premier tourist destinations, renowned for its architectural marvels, including exquisite Islamic structures, bustling bazaars, informative museums, serene Persian gardens, and tree-lined avenues.

Visitors are encouraged to wander through its intricate bazaars, relax in its beautiful gardens, and engage with its welcoming residents.

The Persian adage “Isfahan nesf-e-jahan ast” (Isfahan is half the world) reflects the city’s cultural and historical significance. This event aims to unlock the full potential of Isfahan’s tourism assets, offering a unique opportunity to elevate its global standing and attract more international visitors.