Isfahan to Host the 38th Session of the UNWTO Regional Commission in 2025

A high-level Iranian delegation led by H.E. Anoushiravan Mohseni Bandpey, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, alongside Moslem Shojaei, Director General of Marketing and International Tourism Development, and Seyed Mohammad Hossein Hejazi, Ministerial Advisor and UNWTO Affiliate Member, held formal discussions with UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. The Iranian team successfully campaigned to promote Isfahan’s candidacy as a world-class destination combining over a millennium of cultural heritage with modern tourism infrastructure .

In his address to the Commission, Deputy Minister Bandpey highlighted that “Isfahan boasts a civilizational legacy spanning more than a thousand years, with unique natural landscapes and heritage sites that attract visitors from around the globe.” He added, “Investing in international tourism is a cornerstone of Iran’s strategy to enhance its cultural and economic diplomacy.” .

The Iranian delegation’s multimedia presentation showcased famed Isfahan landmarks—its iconic bridges, stunning squares, historic mosques, and traditional gardens—which won broad acclaim and secured an overwhelming majority vote in favor of Isfahan as the host city for 2025.

This designation marks a significant milestone in Iran’s tourism policy, which seeks to adopt a “tourism diplomacy” approach that elevates cultural heritage and fosters global engagement . The event is expected to draw thousands of participants from over 30 countries, including ministers, senior officials, and industry experts, providing a vital platform for exploring tourism development in the Asia-Pacific and South Asia regions and enhancing knowledge exchange and technical cooperation among member states.