The head of the Iranian Social Security Organization's Tourism Group (HEGTA) stated on Friday that resilience and a fundamental overhaul of planning are vital for Iran's tourism sector. This is due to the industry facing pressure from rising travel costs, transportation restrictions, sanctions, investments, and the regional situation.
Alireza Tabesh noted that the main task is no longer just increasing demand, but transforming Iran's vast tourism resources into commercially attractive products that generate economic and social value.
He made these remarks at the ceremony concluding Tourism Week and the celebration of Mehrgan at the Homa Hotel in Tehran. The event was attended by tourism industry specialists, hotel staff, tour operators, guides, and journalists.
Tabesh highlighted the problem of the existing gap between significant potential and the actual share of tourism in the economy, describing tourism as an interconnected chain where destinations, transport, accommodation, services, storytelling, local communities, sales, and the travel experience itself must work together.
According to Tabesh, the decrease in household purchasing power does not mean the end of travel demand, but merely changes travel patterns. He added that shorter, closer, and more affordable trips could become part of the sector's response to current economic realities.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of Iran's living cultural heritage as a tourism resource. He pointed out that events such as Nowruz, Yalda, and Mehrgan are not just calendar dates, but manifestations of a living cultural memory that can be transformed into a meaningful travel experience.
"Mehrgan, due to its connection with nature, harvest season, family, community, music, food, and collective rituals, can become more than just a cultural event; it can become a travel experience," he stated.
He then called for the creation of locally focused tourism products that combine cultural traditions with accommodation, transport, food, crafts, heritage, nature, and local business, while maintaining cultural authenticity and ensuring local communities benefit economically.
Tabesh reported that HEGTA is capable of using its expertise in hotel management, transport, and organized tours to develop sought-after tourism products. He also strongly urged increased cooperation between government bodies, municipalities, private companies, cultural institutions, and transport operators.
He added that technology, data, and artificial intelligence must move beyond slogans and be applied to understanding markets, improving decision-making, and creating products that meet travelers' needs.
"Hope in tourism arises when we acknowledge reality, prepare for various scenarios, and utilize available opportunities to create value and social viability," Tabesh concluded.