WANA (Nov 15) – Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, announced that the country recorded over 30% growth in tourist arrivals during April and May this year. Although June through August saw a slight dip, the numbers began rising again in September and October.

 

Before the outbreak of the recent conflict, Iran had set an ambitious goal: attracting 15 million tourists by the end of its Seventh Development Plan (2028). To achieve this, a comprehensive operational strategy—spanning two volumes and more than 2,000 pages—was prepared. The plan outlines national, provincial, and local priorities with detailed budgeting, staffing, and timelines.

 

According to the ministry, 6.2 million tourists visited Iran by May 2023, and that number rose to 7.399 million in 2024. Projections for 2025 point to a further 25% increase, surpassing the original 19.5% growth target set in the development plan.

 

Tourist arrivals surged by more than 30% in April and May, experienced a temporary slowdown in mid-summer, and then resumed their upward trend in early autumn. If current conditions continue, Iran is expected to return to its pre-conflict tourism level—around 7.4 million visitors—by the end of this year.

 

In the first six months of this year alone, 3.55 million travelers entered the country, and with the positive momentum in the second half of the year, matching last year’s numbers appears well within reach.

 

The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to repatriate Iran’s cultural artifacts.  As the minister said, at least ten active cases are currently underway with various countries.

 

Several identified items are already in the process of being returned, while others—stolen and trafficked abroad—are being pursued through legal channels to prove ownership and facilitate their return. Each month, newly recovered pieces are transferred to their respective museums in Iran.

Salehi Amiri

Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Salehi Amiri. Social media/ WANA News Agency