According to the Mehrnews, during this meeting, experts and representatives from BRICS member countries exchanged views on advancements in the tourism sector and discussed strategies to strengthen multilateral cooperation, enhance the resilience of the tourism industry, and promote sustainable development in this area.
Masoud Shojaei, the Director General of the Office of Marketing and Development of Foreign Tourism at the Tourism Organization, represented the Islamic Republic of Iran in this working group and outlined the country’s perspectives on the capacities and requirements for developing tourism cooperation among BRICS members.
He pointed out the impacts of the recent conflict known as the “Ramadan War,” which began on February 28, 2026, with the attack by the United States and the Zionist regime on Iran. He stated that this event has affected the tourism industry in West Asia, leading to a significant decline in tourist arrivals, increased travel costs, and damage to the perception of regional destinations and attractions.
Shojaei noted that Iran’s tourism, like many countries in the Middle East, has faced challenges following an initial growth at the beginning of the year 1404 in the Iranian calendar. However, domestic tourism remains active, with over 30 million trips recorded in the country during the Nowruz holidays. Nevertheless, the large population of BRICS member countries could pave the way for an increased share of tourists from these nations in Iran’s tourism market.
The Iranian representative at this meeting presented the proposals of the Islamic Republic of Iran for inclusion in the final statement, which included facilitating visa processes and increasing direct flights among BRICS member countries, supporting the development and promotion of diverse tourism products such as historical, cultural, nature-based, and health tourism, designing and implementing joint tourism events, and organizing familiarization tours.
Additionally, the organization of promotional and advertising programs aimed at facilitating tourism flow among BRICS member countries, strengthening regional cooperation, expanding cultural interactions, and advancing sustainable peace and security in the region were other proposals put forth by Iran during this meeting.
Shojaei emphasized that Iran views tourism as a bridge for dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among nations, and expressed hope that with the swift end of the conflict and the establishment of lasting peace, the tourism industry in the region and the world would once again be on the path to growth and prosperity.
BRICS: A New Gateway for Iran to Attract Foreign Tourists and Expand International Travel Markets
The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the BRICS tourism working group highlighted the significance of this group in the global economy and trade, noting that its population of over 3.6 billion presents a crucial opportunity for the development of Iran’s tourism market, emphasizing the need to leverage international cooperation to increase foreign tourist arrivals.
The Director General of the Office of Marketing and Development of Foreign Tourism at the Tourism Organization elaborated on the extensive capacities of this economic group for the development of international tourism during the second BRICS tourism experts’ working group meeting held in Jaipur, India.
He stated that the BRICS group is considered one of the most important emerging economic coalitions in the world, currently comprising 10 official members and 10 partner countries, playing a significant role in shaping a multipolar economic order with its substantial share of global population, economy, and trade.
Shojaei added that the Islamic Republic of Iran officially became a member of BRICS on January 1, 2024, corresponding to the 11th of Dey 1402 in the Iranian calendar. The official members of this group include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Nigeria, in addition to having 10 partner countries.
