Ministry of Cultural Heritage Plans to Leverage AI in Tourism, Cultural, and Handicrafts Sectors for Future Growth and Innovation in Iran

Published on December 29, 2025

In a historical step, Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts is about to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in a bid to boost the planning, management, and innovation in the cultural heritage, tourism, and handicraft sectors. Not only is it meant to create a future filled with innovation, but it is also expected to catapult Iran into the position of a global leader with regards to artificial intelligence cultural and tourism innovation.

AI and Its Role in Iran’s Cultural, Tourism, and Handicraft Sectors

During the fourth exhibition of creative and knowledge-based companies in artificial intelligence, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi-Amiri, emphasized how soft technologies and AI will be instrumental in the development of these sectors. He acknowledged that AI’s role in content production and innovation would be a key factor in modernizing Iran’s cultural and tourism landscape. Salehi-Amiri explained that integrating AI into the Ministry’s operations could lead to significant leaps in cultural heritage preservation, tourism promotion, and handicraft enhancement.

He also pointed out that the future potential of AI lies in transforming content production within these sectors, ensuring that Iran’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and artisanal craftsmanship are showcased more effectively to a global audience. The future growth of these sectors relies heavily on the ability to integrate cutting-edge technology into content creation, engagement, and outreach.

AI in Content Development: Future Impact on Tourism and Cultural Heritage

The integration of AI technologies in content development could have a transformative impact on how Iran presents its cultural heritage, tourist attractions, and handicrafts. By leveraging AI, the Ministry aims to create immersive and interactive content that allows tourists to engage with Iran’s rich cultural history in innovative ways. This could include virtual tours, AI-powered guides, and customized experiences that highlight the country’s unique offerings.

AI’s future role in tourism and cultural heritage is expected to create new opportunities for both domestic and international visitors to experience Iran’s heritage in ways that were previously unimaginable. For example, AI-powered cultural experiences could offer personalized itineraries based on user preferences, thus increasing engagement with cultural sites, museums, and festivals across the country. The impact on visitor satisfaction and the overall tourism experience is expected to drive a growth surge in Iran’s tourism sector, potentially attracting millions more international tourists.

Strengthening Partnerships for Long-Term Innovation and Growth

The Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with universities and science and technology parks plays a crucial role in future-proofing Iran’s AI adoption strategy. Salehi-Amiri pointed out the importance of universities and research institutions as the primary foundation for AI-driven innovation in cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts. By fostering collaborations with institutions like the University of Science and Culture and science parks, the Ministry aims to build a robust research ecosystem that will continuously fuel innovation and knowledge production in these sectors.

These partnerships are not only essential for immediate growth but are also a key part of a long-term strategy to ensure that Iran remains at the forefront of AI integration in its cultural and tourism sectors. Future AI advancements could open doors to new avenues of development, allowing Iran to capitalize on emerging trends and maintain its position as a top global tourism destination.

Activating AI to Drive Future Tourism and Cultural Engagement

Minister Salehi-Amiri emphasized the need to activate the capacity of AI to connect Iran’s cultural assets with domestic and foreign audiences. He believes that AI’s capabilities will allow the cultural heritage and tourism sectors to expand beyond traditional platforms, offering new ways for people to engage with Iranian culture from anywhere in the world. This aligns with the Ministry’s broader goal of promoting Iran’s cultural wealth through digital innovation.

The future impact of this initiative will likely include increased tourism flows, as AI will offer personalized travel experiences and improve the accessibility of Iran’s cultural offerings. As the world shifts toward digital-first experiences, AI will play a crucial role in positioning Iran as a global hub for cultural tourism, making its rich history and heritage more accessible and attractive to a broader audience.

Future Growth: AI as a Catalyst for Sustainability and Global Competitiveness

In the long term, the integration of AI is expected to accelerate growth in Iran’s tourism, cultural heritage, and handicrafts sectors, contributing to the country’s global competitiveness. Sustainability will also play a major role in these efforts, as AI technologies are used to optimize the management of natural and cultural resources, ensuring that Iran’s tourism sector grows responsibly without compromising the integrity of its heritage.

Through AI and innovative technologies, Iran can foster a sustainable tourism model that balances economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. This is particularly crucial as the country seeks to attract tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences while also maintaining its ecological footprint. The future impact of these AI-driven strategies will help position Iran as a pioneering leader in the field of sustainable tourism and cultural heritage management.

AI’s Role in Shaping Iran’s Future Tourism and Cultural Heritage Landscape

The future development of Iran’s cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts is inextricably tied to the integration of artificial intelligence. As the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts moves to create successful partnerships with universities, science parks, and technology companies, the potential for artificial intelligence development within these sectors is set to increase exponentially.

The effects of the impact of AI would enhance the competitiveness of Iran on the global scene, providing international tourists with an immersive experience as well as maintaining the rich culture of the country. The increased adoption of AI would mean that Iran would be at the forefront in managing the digital tourism of the country, paving the way for the country’s successful and innovative future in the management of tourism and culture. The advancements of the technologies of AI would make the culture of the country valuable for the years that come, as well as developing the tourism sector of the country.