Hyderabad: The Islamic Republic of Iran hosted a major tourism road show in Hyderabad aimed at enhancing cultural and tourism ties between Iran and India, particularly with Telangana. The event saw the participation of high-ranking officials, including Iran’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Cultural Heritage, and Handicrafts Shalbafiyan, Telangana’s Tourism and Cultural Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, and Iran’s Consul General in Hyderabad Maidee Shahrokhi. In his address, Shalbafiyan emphasized the centuries-old historical and cultural bonds shared between India and Iran. He highlighted Iran’s new tourism policy, which focuses on accelerating cultural and tourism exchanges with India. The primary aim of the road show, he noted, is to promote a positive perception of Iran, attract international tourists, create new business opportunities, and strengthen cultural connections between the two nations. Shalbafiyan also expressed hope that increased visitor exchanges between India and Iran would contribute to the growth of the tourism sectors in both countries. He underscored the deep cultural and artistic ties between Iran and Hyderabad, describing the city as a bridge that connects the two nations. He encouraged Indian tourists to explore Iran’s historical and heritage sites, noting that visitors would discover a version of Iran that differs from its portrayal in Western media. Maidee Shahrokhi, Iran’s Consul General in Hyderabad, added that fostering tourism exchanges would not only strengthen bilateral relations but also promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two nations. Minister Jupally Krishnarao described the road show as an excellent platform to deepen the understanding of Iran’s rich cultural heritage and to strengthen tourism cooperation between the two countries. He also emphasized that Telangana, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, has emerged as a key destination on the global tourism map. He credited the State’s proactive tourism policies for promoting tourism and preserving its cultural heritage. Jupally Krishna Rao highlighted Telangana’s efforts to improve tourist infrastructure, protect heritage sites, and promote local arts and crafts. He pointed to the ongoing restoration of the Qutub Shahi Tombs as evidence of the State’s commitment to preserving Hyderabad’s rich cultural legacy. In his concluding remarks, he stressed that tourism is not just about visiting new places but also about building relationships, understanding diverse cultures, and fostering new connections. He emphasized that tourism serves as a powerful tool for economic development, cultural preservation, and global peace.
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