TEHRAN – Iranian Deputy Tourism Minister highlighted opportunities for expanding tourism relations between the Islamic Republic and Indonesia.
Shalbafian highlighted Indonesia’s potential on Thursday [medical] Indonesian tourists will be able to benefit from Iran’s advanced medical and health services. He said: “Iranian medical and health facilities offer advanced and efficient services that Indonesian tourists can use.”
He was speaking on the sidelines of a roadshow that marked the final leg of Iran’s East Asia tourism tour in Jakarta, following successful events in Vietnam and Malaysia. The one-day event saw key officials and private sector leaders from both countries participate in business meetings and discussions on future tourism agreements.
In his speech, Mr. Shalbafian described the tourism relations between the two countries as active and growing. “The Islamic Republic of Iran, with its rich cultural and historical resources, as well as its specialized medical and health care opportunities, is an attractive destination for Indonesian tourists,” he said.
He also discussed the concept of “Umrah Plus” tours, positioning Iran as a stopover destination for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj rituals.
The event, which aimed to showcase Iran’s tourism capabilities, saw significant participation from more than 120 Indonesian tourism companies.
Shalbafian highlighted the broader impact of tourism, noting: “We believe that developing tourism not only contributes to the economic growth of countries, but also strengthens cultural and social bridges between nations. “We are ready to elevate Iran-Indonesia tourism to higher levels through closer cooperation and sharing of experiences and knowledge.”
The official highlighted Iran’s diverse tourism capabilities and vast opportunities for developing the tourism industry, including investments in infrastructure, establishment of accommodation and recreation centers, and expansion of tourism services. He invited Indonesian investors to explore these opportunities, stressing the importance of international cooperation and exchange of experiences in developing this sector.
Highlighting another important step to promote tourism exchange, Shalbafian announced Iran’s unilateral visa exemption for Indonesian citizens. “Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world and given the extensive halal tourism offerings in Iran, including restaurants, sports and beach activities, Iran can be an ideal destination for Indonesian Muslims.”
Shalbafian also stressed the importance of establishing direct flights to reduce travel costs and strengthen tourism exchanges between the two countries. “Direct flights can pave the way for stronger connections between private sector players in both countries.”
In his closing speech, Mr. Shalbafian assured the private sector participants of the professionalism and reputation of the Iranian delegation. He invited all participants to visit Iran and discover its attractions and beauty. “We are fully prepared to welcome you and hope that you will have a memorable and enjoyable experience in Iran.”
Tehran’s ambassador to Jakarta, Mohammad Boroujerdi, also spoke about the progress of tourism cooperation between the two countries. “We are working with the Indonesian government to finalize the administrative procedures to obtain direct flight permits between Iran and Indonesia,” he said.
The roadshow continued with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the President of the Iranian Tourism Association, Mustafa Shafiei-Shakib and the General Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Tourism and Travel Association (ASITA), Nunung Rusmiati.
The Islamic Republic hopes to capitalize on its many tourist sites such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, baths, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers and mansions, 27 of which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
AM
