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September 4, 2025In a bid to turn Iran’s free zones into international tourism centers, an MoU was signed in a ceremony attended by Secretary of the High Council of Free Zones Reza Masrour and Tourism Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri. The agreement mentions a full-fledged master plan for the use of tourism potential of these zones, specifically for centers such as Kish Island. This cooperation is focused on not only developing tourism in Iran but also establishing the country as a regional leader in developing sustainable tourism.Tourism as a Key Driver for Free Zone DevelopmentHistorically, free zones in Iran were set up primarily for industrial and commercial purposes, but today tourism is taking center stage in many of these areas. Reza Masrour highlighted that tourism has now become the main priority in many free zones, thanks to the growing recognition of Iran’s cultural assets and natural beauty. Free zones, which were once centered around trade and manufacturing, are now being reimagined as global tourism destinations.Unlocking Investment Potential Through IncentivesA significant aspect of the MoU is the introduction of investment incentives to encourage the development of tourism infrastructure in free zones. Key components of these incentives include:Tax exemptions for tourism-related projectsImport allowances for hotel equipment and vehiclesExemption from import duties for specific tourism-related materialsThese measures are designed to attract investors who are looking to contribute to the growth of Iran’s tourism infrastructure while benefiting from favorable investment conditions.Kish Island: A Rising Star in Iran’s Tourism LandscapeKish Island, located in the Persian Gulf, is a key player in Iran’s tourism ambitions. According to Tourism Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Kish has the potential to become Iran’s third major tourist destination, alongside Tehran and Mashhad. With 50 active hotels and 50 more under construction, Kish is already a popular destination for domestic and international visitors.As part of this initiative, Kish Free Zone is expected to be equipped with world-class tourism facilities, making it a key component of Iran’s broader tourism strategy. The island’s development will include the establishment of high-quality hotels, luxury resorts, and modern tourism services to meet the demands of both leisure and business travelers.Leveraging International Tourism PlatformsAs part of the tourism growth strategy, Iran plans to promote its cultural and natural heritage on global platforms. The MoU emphasizes the creation of multilingual content and its publication in international media, such as airlines and high-profile networks. This strategy will allow Iran to reach a wider audience and attract foreign tourists who are interested in cultural tourism.Developing Marine and Coastal TourismAnother area of focus is the development of marine tourism in Iran’s free zones. Masrour emphasized the potential for marina development in both the northern and southern parts of Iran, which could promote recreational shipping and yachting activities. The plan includes:Caspian Sea marinas in the north, which would offer boating and water sports experiences.Southern marinas on Kish Island with the possibility of establishing direct sea lines between Kish and the United Arab Emirates or Chabahar and Muscat.These initiatives aim to transform Iran’s coastline into a major marine tourism hub, offering luxury cruises, water sports, and leisure activities that attract tourists seeking eco-tourism and adventure tourism experiences.Sustainable Tourism and Eco-Friendly DevelopmentA central pillar of Iran’s tourism vision is the emphasis on sustainable tourism. The country’s focus on eco-friendly tourism products ensures that natural resources are preserved while promoting economic growth. The government’s strategic investment in eco-friendly infrastructure and sustainable tourism models will ensure that the environmental impact of tourism development is minimized.Additionally, tourism projects like Kish Island’s development will meet international sustainability standards, including the Blue Flag certification, ensuring that the beaches, marinas, and tourism facilities are environmentally responsible.Promoting Health and Wellness TourismIran also plans to develop health tourism in its free zones, with the Arvand region identified as a potential area for wellness tourism. The creation of health resorts, offering treatments based on Iran’s natural resources and traditional healing practices, will attract tourists seeking health and wellness experiences. This initiative is expected to create new business opportunities and provide a unique offering for tourists interested in medical tourism.Building Strategic Partnerships for InvestmentThe MoU also outlines plans to hold an international conference on investment in free zones to provide a platform for both domestic and foreign investors to explore opportunities in Iran’s tourism sector. This event will showcase investment packages that include tax incentives, access to infrastructure, and tourism-focused projects.Additionally, international exhibitions and tourism conferences will play an essential role in attracting global investors to Iran’s free zones. These events provide a strategic venue for introducing Iran’s growing tourism sector to global investors and entrepreneurs looking to invest in tourism projects.Creating a Strong Tourism EcosystemThrough the synergy between the free zones and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Iran aims to create a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that integrates eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and marine tourism. By creating a balance between economic development and environmental conservation, these projects will not only benefit Iran’s tourism sector but also foster long-term regional cooperation in the tourism and cultural industries.A Promising Future for Iran’s Tourism SectorThe cooperation between Iran’s free zones and the Tourism Ministry is a major step toward making the nation a prominent actor in the international tourism market. Through a focus on sustainability, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism, Iran is making its free zones primary destinations for regional as well as international visitors. The strategic plans, such as investment incentives, tourism infrastructure development, and global partnerships, will open the door to a dynamic and sustainable tourism sector in Iran, with advantages for the local citizenry and the economy in general.

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