Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi made the remarks on Monday at the 17th Tehran International Tourism & Related Industries Exhibition, an annual event in Iran’s tourism industry which opened in Tehran on Monday. 

Raeisi considered tourism as one of the important topics in the economic field, noting that tourism is an accelerating factor in many economies in the world. 

He stated that the number of tourists increased by 50% during the post-COVID-19 era in Iran, adding that the necessary ground was laid for the presence of more tourists in the country.

Referring to the government's measures to promote tourism, he said that the government approved 20 bills to encourage those who are operating in this field.

He referred to tourism as a good substitute for a single-product economy and stopping relying only on oil.

Although many people want to visit the beautiful nature and civilizational and cultural works of art in Islamic Iran, the enemies intend to discourage them through giving a negative image of Iran and Iranphobia.

Raeisi announced the cancellation of tourist visas as one of Iran's important measures taken in the country, saying that the growth of the tourism industry will defeat the illwishers and will present a correct image of Iran.

He continued that besides natural and cultural tourism, Iran also has medical tourism, stressing that Iran spearheads in the field of medicine, both in medical equipment and knowledge-based products and in drug production as well.

He also referred to Iran's science and technology parks as the tourist attractions for researchers and scientists that will activate tourism's potential. 

He added that Islamic Iran has the potential of tourism development, urging all the officials and ministers to pay attention to tourism as a driving force behind the other economic fields.

The 17th Tehran International Tourism & Related Industries Exhibition (TITE), an annual event in Iran’s tourism industry is being held at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground on 12-15 February 2024. 

Zurab Pololikashvili Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization is in Tehran to visit the TITE