Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, the Governor of Khuzestan, and the Deputy for Cultural, Social and Tourism Affairs of Arvand Free Zone Organization have highlighted the region’s strategic potential for developing health, coastal and marine tourism, with a particular focus on attracting Iraqi visitors.
Speaking at a meeting with tourism stakeholders from Abadan and Khorramshahr at the Khorramshahr Chamber of Commerce, the officials emphasized Iraq’s importance as a key source market for Iranian tourism, Khuzestan’s maritime economic potential, and Arvand’s border advantages and multimodal transport connectivity.
Minister Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri stated that Iraqi visitors account for approximately 73% of inbound tourists to Iran, underscoring Iraq’s strategic importance to the country’s tourism industry. He stressed the need to improve travel infrastructure, expand health tourism in Abadan and Khorramshahr, strengthen international marketing, and develop water-based tourism.
Khuzestan Governor Seyed Mohammad Reza Movalizadeh described the marine-based economy as a key driver of provincial development, highlighting Arvand Free Zone’s coastal and maritime assets as valuable resources for sustainable tourism growth and income generation.
Arvand: A Gateway to Health and Marine Tourism Development in Khuzestan
