Unveiling Vietnam and Iran: A Journey of Untapped Tourism Potential

Iran is renowned for its majestic natural landscapes, a captivating tapestry of rugged mountains and vast deserts. Similarly, Vietnam enchants visitors with its breathtaking scenery, showcasing the unique beauty of the East. The warmth and hospitality of the people in both countries are an added allure. As stated by Iranian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ali Akbar Nazari, during the "Iran - Southeast Asia Tourism Roadshow 2024," there lies untapped potential and opportunities for bilateral tourism development through knowledge exchange and collaboration. This inaugural tourism promotion conference in Vietnam shone a spotlight on the prospects for mutual growth in the tourism sector between Iran and Vietnam.

Administrator

20 March, 2025

The conference, a joint effort by Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Vietnam, aimed to showcase Iran’s tourism offerings. It also served as a platform for businesses from both countries to connect and engage, providing Vietnamese travel professionals and enthusiasts with authentic information and visuals of Iran. This initiative further bolstered the cultural and tourism exchanges between Vietnam and Iran.

Ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari highlighted Iran’s renowned ancient historical sites, UNESCO World Heritage-listed locations, the breathtaking natural beauty of Mazandaran, and the architectural marvels of Isfahan and Shiraz. He also mentioned the vibrant markets of Tabriz. With its rich history, diverse culture, and warm hospitality, Iran has significant potential to captivate international tourists, including those from Vietnam. Conversely, Vietnam, known for its gracious hospitality and stunning natural landscapes that embody the essence of the East, holds a unique appeal for Iranian travelers.

Ali Asghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, delivers a speech at the event. (Photo: Hong Anh)

Ali Asghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Iran, acknowledged the untapped potential for tourism development between Vietnam and Iran. He expressed his hope that the conference would foster greater tourism exchanges, ultimately strengthening the people-to-people connections between the two nations.

The Iranian government’s decision to unilaterally waive visas for Vietnamese citizens is a significant step toward encouraging Vietnamese tourists to explore Iran. To further enhance cost-effectiveness and tourism interaction, the establishment of a direct flight route between the countries is highly anticipated. Ali Asghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi extended a warm invitation to Vietnamese tourists, assuring them of a heartfelt welcome and memorable experiences in Iran.

Vietnamese and Iranian business representatives engage in discussions at the “Iran – Southeast Asia Tourism Roadshow 2024 – Iran – Vietnam Tourism Conference,” held on July 1 in Hanoi. (Photo: Hong Anh)

Hoang Dao Cuong, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, highlighted the successful implementation of various cooperation and tourism promotion activities within bilateral and multilateral frameworks. These initiatives have fostered engagement among agencies, associations, and tourism enterprises from both countries. Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Iran in August 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism organized a series of events to introduce Vietnam’s country, people, and cultural tourism attractions in Iran, bringing the two nations closer together.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam and its Iranian counterpart are currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding for tourism cooperation. This agreement is expected to create favorable conditions and promote tourism collaboration that matches the potential, needs, and aspirations of both countries. Additionally, the Vietnamese government is actively developing a Halal industry and promoting Halal tourism to attract visitors from the Middle East, with a particular focus on Iran.

During the event, delegates and businesses had the opportunity to network, exchange insights, and share their aspirations for cooperation in the fields of tourism and cultural exchange.

“While diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Iran were established in 1973, the people-to-people exchanges between our countries have a much longer history. These early interactions laid the foundation for the strong relationship we enjoy today and hold promise for even greater development in the future.”

Ambassador of Iran to Vietnam, Ali Akbar Nazari

Hong Anh – Thu Phuong