Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, today (Sunday, October 11, 2026) at the Mehr Tourism event in Shiraz, pointed to the high potential of Fars province and announced that this province can become one of the main hubs of international tourism in Iran.
Tourism Potential of Fars
The Minister of Cultural Heritage emphasized that conditions must be created for foreign tourists to visit the historical and cultural attractions throughout Fars province, including Kazeroon and Firuzabad. He noted that distributing travel across the province increases the stay of tourists and allows local communities to benefit more from the economic advantages of tourism, stressing the importance of paying attention to all these capacities.
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Salehi Amiri further referred to the experiences of registering Iran's historical sites globally and said: "What is important in these processes is having documented files, scientific arguments, and expert readiness." He believes that Iran must rely on its historical and scientific background to maintain its position on the global stage.
Preserving Identity and Developing Tourism
The Minister of Cultural Heritage stated: "Fars and Shiraz are more than just a collection of historical and tourist attractions; they carry the spirit and identity of Iranian civilization. Fars is our Iran and our soul, and we must scientifically and strategically recognize the historical, cultural, and civilizational capacities of this geography for Iranians and the world."
Salehi Amiri also noted the deep emotional and identity connection of Iranians with their land, stating that the name Fars and its historical buildings have a profound impact on the feelings and thoughts of Iranians. He emphasized the need to move beyond a limited view of a few well-known destinations and pay attention to the entire geography of this province.
The Minister of Cultural Heritage acknowledged that a significant portion of the historical and cultural artifacts of Fars still requires research and documentation. He suggested that a Fars Studies Center be established in Shiraz to continuously and systematically pursue scientific studies about the history and culture of this province.
Salehi Amiri also stressed the necessity of strengthening cultural heritage education in schools, saying: "The younger generation must know what historical and civilizational geography they live in." He believes that familiarizing students with the heritage of their land can strengthen their sense of belonging and national identity.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of investing in tourism development, stating: "Capital is sacred, and investors must be revered." He emphasized that without effective participation from the private sector, achieving significant tourism goals will not be possible. Salehi Amiri also stressed the need for tourism infrastructure to be prepared to accommodate more tourists and that the development of accommodations and enhancement of services should be prioritized.
The Minister of Cultural Heritage referred to the difficult conditions of recent months and their impact on the entry of foreign tourists, stating that the country's tourism industry is improving. He also emphasized the need to develop rural tourism and handicrafts as effective solutions to strengthen the local economy.
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