Tehran Advances Tourism Reconstruction, Targets Hotel Brand Development

Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Reza Salehi-Amiri and Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani reviewed plans to accelerate the completion of unfinished tourism projects and strengthen the capital’s hospitality infrastructure on Sunday, as part of broader efforts to advance reconstruction and development in the sector. At a meeting at Milad Tower, Salehi-Amiri called for coordinated support to establish reputable hotel brands, saying Tehran needs a recognizable hospitality identity rather than simply more hotel buildings, CHTN reported. “Tehran needs branding beyond a few structures,” he said, stressing the importance of planning for and supporting the development of established hotel brands. The minister said the ministry and municipality had agreed to work together to resolve obstacles facing unfinished tourism projects and speed up their completion. He also called for closer coordination among relevant agencies, streamlined administrative procedures and effective support mechanisms to bring developments into operation. Seven investors presented their proposals and outlined challenges affecting hotel construction and accommodation projects. Officials discussed ways to facilitate licensing, make use of municipal incentives and help projects advance toward completion.

Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, head of the ministry’s Center for Investment and Economic Affairs, highlighted an incentive granting an 80% exemption for the construction of hotels and tourism facilities in Tehran. Initiated by the municipality, the measure has since been implemented in 53 cities, he said. Shalbafian also pointed to joint efforts to develop mixed-use tourism projects and identify suitable sites for new hotels across the capital. He urged investors to meet their commitments and project deadlines, emphasizing that public-sector support must be matched by timely implementation. Nasrollah Abedian, Tehran’s deputy mayor for urban planning and architecture, said preliminary studies and a thematic tourism plan were underway across nine areas, including cultural and historical attractions, religious sites, recreation, health, accommodation, transit routes, commerce and events. The municipality has also defined 12 projects in areas surrounding historic buildings, aimed at strengthening ecological capacities, and is seeking the necessary approvals to make better use of existing incentives. The meeting focused on coordinating reconstruction and development priorities, completing unfinished projects, expanding accommodation capacity and removing administrative barriers to tourism investment in Tehran. - Iran Daily