Iran’s first-ever pavilion at Guangzhou’s CITIE won Best Booth for its aesthetic design, historic/local elements, and strong visitor engagement, boosting Iran–China tourism ties.
Guangzhou : Iran’s pavilion was named Best Booth at the China (Guangzhou) International Travel Fair CITIE, marking a standout debut for Iran at the event’s 17th edition. The award recognised the pavilion’s aesthetic design, creative use of historic and local motifs, and exceptional visitor engagement.
In an official ceremony on 22 Shahrivar, the fair’s Deputy Director visited the Iran stand to present the award to Mohammad Hossein Soufi, Director of Iran’s tourism pavilion and CEO of the Touring & Automobile Club of the Islamic Republic of Iran, commending Iran’s energetic participation.
Soufi expressed satisfaction with the recognition, noting that the team highlighted cultural and civilizational themes while maintaining direct interaction with visitors an approach that helped the Iran stand become one of the fair’s most visited. He added that, in talks with fair management, Iran proposed separating business/trade negotiation zones from live shows and performances in future editions to better serve specialised travel agencies—suggestions that were well received.
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Iran’s pavilion featured eight travel and tourism companies, one handicraft artisan, traditional costume displays, and Iranology workshops, offering a diverse snapshot of Iranian culture and tourism products. According to Soufi, the award coincided with wide coverage by Chinese media, strengthening Iran’s profile at international tourism exhibitions and advancing Iran China tourism cooperation.
The CITIE fair, held over three days from 21 Shahrivar in Guangzhou, hosted participants from more than 40 countries and destinations worldwide.