Every corner of Iran has a story to tell...

On July 1, the Iran-Southeast Asia Tourism Roadshow 2024 and the Iran-Vietnam Tourism Seminar were held for the first time in Hanoi with the theme "Welcome to Iran".

Cơ hội phát triển du lịch giữa doanh nghiệp Việt Nam và Iran

Iran-Southeast Asia Tourism Roadshow 2024 and Iran-Vietnam Tourism Seminar organized by the Embassy of Iran. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

The Iran-Southeast Asia Tourism Roadshow 2024 and the Iran-Vietnam Tourism Seminar were successfully held with the participation of Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong; Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran Ali Ashgar Shalbafian; Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam Ali Akabar Nazari and representatives of 9 large travel companies with extensive experience in the tourism sector of Iran and representatives of travel companies and tourism organizations in Vietnam.

Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong expressed his delight at the fact that recently, many tourism cooperation and promotion activities within the bilateral and multilateral frameworks have been effectively implemented, attracting the participation of agencies, associations and tourism businesses of the two countries.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong said that the workshop is an opportunity to promote tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Iran. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

Mr. Hoang Dao Cuong emphasized that the Workshop is an important forum for the State management agencies of tourism in Vietnam and Iran to meet, exchange, share experiences, and promote bilateral cooperation in tourism. At the same time, it creates favorable conditions for tourism businesses in Vietnam and Iran to share information, promote cooperation, business, and develop two-way tourism in the context of recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, preparing for a new, stronger development phase, contributing to deepening the close friendship between Vietnam and Iran.

In particular, as an architect and heritage manager, Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong expressed his admiration and appreciation for the work of preserving and promoting the value of architectural works, cultural heritages, and unique and sophisticated handicraft products crafted by Iranian artisans.

“I believe that when Vietnamese people visit and travel in Iran, they will love and be more impressed with the unique tourism and cultural products of Iran,” Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong shared.

Iran’s Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali Ashgar Shalbafian affirmed that this workshop demonstrates efforts to enhance tourism exchanges and interactions between Vietnam and Iran. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

On the Iranian side, Iran's Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ali Ashgar Shalbafian said that although tourism exchange between the two countries is still low, the tourism promotion conference organized by Iran in Vietnam this time demonstrates efforts to increase tourism exchange and interaction between the two countries.

Mr. Ali Ashgar Shalbafian expressed his hospitality: 'I respectfully invite you to travel to Iran, visit and learn about the beautiful landscapes of our country. We are ready to welcome you with all our capabilities and conditions. We hope you will have good and memorable experiences in our country.'

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam Ali Akbar Nazari introduces the image of Iran and its people to Vietnamese tourism businesses. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

At the workshop, Ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari said that the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam, together with the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, has always tried to promote the potentials from previous historical connections to attract Vietnamese tourists, creating more momentum for the development of cultural and tourism relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari introduced to Vietnamese businesses the rich history and culture of Iran, such as ancient historical sites, UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites, and beautiful natural landscapes. He emphasized that all are attractive tourist destinations for international tourists, especially Vietnamese tourists.

“Every corner of Iran has a story to tell, from the magnificent architecture of Isfahan, Shiraz to the colorful Bazaars of Tabriz, or the breathtaking natural landscapes of Mazandaran and the rich culture of the people, all will be an unprecedented experience for visitors,” said the Ambassador.

In an interview with The World and Vietnam Newspaper at the Workshop, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich, a sales specialist at Viet Global Travel Company, said that she had the opportunity to visit Iran for the first time in the fall of 2022 with unforgettable memories.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich, sales specialist of Viet Global Travel Company, answered an interview with The Gioi and Viet Nam Newspaper. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

“It took our company about 6 months to prepare for the group of 17 Vietnamese tourists. During the visa and paperwork preparation process, we regularly received enthusiastic support from the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich. “Most of the tourists in the group are passionate about traveling, love to learn about cultures and are especially curious about Iran and its scenic spots.”

Regarding the difficulties encountered when leading groups to Iran, according to Ms. Bich, "the biggest obstacle is probably the issue of promotion and information because very few tourists know about Iran". Therefore, today's seminar provides a lot of useful information about destinations in Iran, creating good conditions for her company to coordinate with partners, preparing for the next tourist groups to visit the legendary land of Persia.

Vietnamese and Iranian tourism businesses exchange at the workshop. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

Previously, in 2017, Iran organized a Famtrip for 30 representatives of Vietnamese travel companies to visit the provinces of Yazd, Isfahan and Fars. The Iran-Southeast Asia Tourism Roadshow 2024 and the Iran-Vietnam Tourism Seminar are considered a “stepping stone” for more vibrant tourism development between Vietnam and Iran in the future.