Iran Unveils Strategic Coastal Tourism Drive Boosting Maritime Economy
Iran is ramping up its focus on coastal tourism and maritime economy development under its 7th National Development Plan, aiming to transform its vast shoreline resources into a key driver of tourism and economic growth. Speaking to senior naval officials, Iran’s Tourism Minister Salehi-Amiri emphasized the untapped potential of the country’s northern and southern shores and outlined a multifaceted plan to attract 15 million international tourists in the coming years, a significant increase from the 7 million visitors recorded in the past year.
Salehi-Amiri underscored the importance of collaboration between the tourism sector and armed forces, particularly in facilitating access to coastal zones previously restricted for security purposes. According to the minister, releasing segments of these areas for tourism development could be transformative, encouraging both domestic and international investment in Iran’s beachside leisure offerings. He noted that several investment proposals are under review, signaling a potential influx of private sector participation.
Central to the strategy is a major overhaul of Iran’s hospitality infrastructure. The government plans to double the number of accommodation centers—currently at 1,843—and expand the bed capacity from 455,000 to over 900,000. The ambitious development goals align with regional trends, as countries like Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia continue to invest heavily in tourism to diversify their economies. Salehi-Amiri pointed to Iran’s vast cultural and historical assets, including over one million recognized heritage sites, as a competitive advantage in this growing regional market.