Tehran has been chosen to host the inaugural Global Urban Tourism Forum in June , marking a major milestone in the city's international engagement efforts.

Why it matters:

This is the first time Tehran will host such a high-level global event focused on urban tourism, providing a unique platform to showcase the capital’s cultural potential, attract foreign investment, and enhance global collaboration in tourism development.

What he's saying:

Alireza Zakani, Mayor of Tehran, announced the news on Friday, citing agreements reached during the UN World Tourism Organization’s regional summit in Jakarta.

“Based on the negotiations and final agreements made, Tehran has been selected to host the first Global Urban Tourism Forum,” he said.He emphasized the strategic significance of this event for Iran’s capital:“It’s a valuable opportunity to highlight Tehran’s tourism capacities, foster international partnerships, and advance our tourism infrastructure.”

Key points:

  • The forum is seen as a key opportunity to showcase Tehran’s tourism potential, attract foreign investment, and expand international relations, especially in the context of post-sanctions economic revival.
  • Tehran’s municipality, under Mayor Alireza Zakani, has declared full preparedness to host the event successfully, emphasizing infrastructure development and coordination with international bodies.

 

Go deeper:

Iran has been working to revitalize its tourism industry in recent years, particularly in urban centers like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz. The selection of Tehran as the host for this landmark event aligns with the country’s broader economic and cultural diplomacy strategies. The Abbasabad district, where the event will be held, has increasingly been positioned as a central tourism and cultural hub within the capital.

 

ahmad shirzadian