【Text/Observer Net, Wang Yong, Editor/Zhao Qiankun】
According to multiple foreign media outlets such as the BRICS News Channel and Iran's Tehran Times, the Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Salehi Amiri, recently stated that China has been set as the country's top tourism partner.
Amiri emphasized that a large number of Chinese travelers go abroad for tourism each year, "we should strive to gain the favor of Chinese tourists, and currently, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghi is working to achieve this goal." Amiri expects that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Iran should increase in 2025.
According to the aforementioned media reports, to attract more Chinese tourists, Iran has implemented a unilateral visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens since July 2019, and also trained tour guides who can speak Chinese. The country has also prepared a travel destination directory written in Chinese for Chinese tourists, so that they can conveniently visit museums and attractions when visiting Iran, while being able to learn more about Iranian culture.
Golestan Palace, Tehran Times
The report mentioned that Iran has many world-famous cultural, historical, and architectural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO. Among them, Golestan Palace (also known as the Rose Palace or Qaleh-e Golestan) is one of the most famous attractions in Iran. It is an outstanding representative of Iranian art and architecture and is one of the most iconic buildings in Tehran.
Golestan Palace was built in the late 18th century and after centuries of construction and restoration, it now features richly carved arches, luxurious marble terraces, colorful tile walls, dazzling halls, exquisite latticed windows, and tranquil gardens, and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition, Iran's Imam Mosque, Freedom Tower, and Tabriz Bazaar are must-visit places for travelers from around the world, each showcasing the cultural and artistic charm of Iran.
According to relevant information, since 2005, Iran has become a destination for Chinese citizens' group tours abroad. In August 2011, the business of group tourism for Chinese citizens to Iran officially started.
In May 2024, Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu published a signed article in the Iranian news agency stating that Sino-Iranian people-to-people exchanges have been full of highlights, with frequent visits between groups in various fields such as culture, tourism, education, and journalism.
Cong Peiwu stated in the article that since March 2023, when China included Iran in the second batch of pilot programs to resume group tours, nearly 50,000 Chinese tourists have visited Iran, approaching pre-pandemic levels. The Chinese Embassy in Iran has also actively taken measures to facilitate visas, starting from August 2023, for eligible personnel traveling to China for business, tourism, and family visits, implementing a phased fingerprint exemption measure, and in October of the same year, canceling online visa appointments, allowing Iranian applicants to apply at any time.
The aforementioned media reports stated that since 2025, to strengthen the connection between the two countries' people and expand opportunities for bilateral cooperation, the Chinese Embassy in Iran has been continuously optimizing the visa procedures for students and tourists.
On September 12 this year, at the Guangdong International Tourism Industry Expo held in Guangzhou, eight institutions representing the tourism industry, including Iranian travel agencies, airlines, and handicraft production companies, participated in the exhibition. A relevant official from the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts stated that the Guangdong International Tourism Expo is a key marketing tool for Iran's tourism industry. It enables Iran to directly showcase its tourism resources to foreign tourists and industry professionals, while creating opportunities for negotiations, exchanges, and cooperation between groups.
The official said, "Attracting Chinese tourists is a priority in Iran's tourism strategy. Participating in such exhibitions purposefully is a strategic need. Additionally, Guangdong Province is one of China's most economically developed provinces and an important target market for Iran's tourism industry. Iran hopes to redefine itself in the eyes of Chinese tourists as a safe, diverse, and culturally rich tourist destination."
The aforementioned media reports also mentioned that Iran is currently planning to import Chinese-made tourism vehicles and buses. Mohammad Hossein Soufi, General Manager of the Iranian Automobile Club, stated during his recent visit to the Guangzhou Import and Export Center, "The premise of developing Iran's tourism industry is to develop professional transportation fleets. By importing high-quality vehicles specifically customized for tourism needs, it will help promote the development of Iran's tourism industry."
Soufi stated that the tourism vehicles and buses produced in China are designed to meet the needs of travelers, providing a comfortable experience during travel. These vehicles are equipped with necessary facilities required for long-distance and group travel, usually including large panoramic windows, reclining seats, and entertainment systems. Many vehicles are also equipped with air conditioning, wireless networks, and USB charging ports, which enhance the travel experience.
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