Iran taking steps to develop tourism ties with Belarus

The Islamic Republic of Iran is interested in developing tourism ties with Belarus – as voiced at a business meeting hosted by the Iranian Embassy in Minsk at the end of December, the Republican Union of Tourism Industry reports 

Photo by Republican Union of Tourism Industry

“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Minsk hosted a business meeting of Belarusian tour operators with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Alireza Sanei. The event, organised by the Republican Union of Tourism Industry, focused on the development of tourism ties,” the source reported.

As noted by the diplomat on welcoming the meeting participants, the relations between Iran and Belarus have reached the highest level in 31 years. According to him, there have been no ‘black’ or even ‘grey’ spots in the history of bilateral co-operation. “We are developing our ties in all areas: economy, politics, culture, industry, agriculture, and medical equipment production, but the tourism sector lags behind, sadly. That is why we are here to discuss its prospects,” Alireza Sanei said. “Tourism is important not only for the economy and investments, but also for cultural exchange: we do not know much about each other. We hope to step up co-operation in this area.”

The diplomat drew attention to the stereotypes that are formed under the influence of Western media, “I do not know which of you has been to Iran, but I am sure that the reality is very different from the picture you have seen in the media. Iran is a country with a rich history and culture that can impress any traveller. We are facing economic difficulties due to sanctions, but the standard of living of our citizens remains decent. Iranians like to travel and actively invest in real estate and the economy of other countries such as Georgia, Turkiye, Armenia, and could do so in Belarus.”

Alireza Sanei recalled that the Iranians had built a hotel in Brest. When asked on whether an Iranian restaurant would ever open in Minsk, he replied that there were already those wishing to do that. The dishes and volumes only need to be determined. 

The diplomat also spoke of the recent measures aimed at developing tourism between the two countries, including the abolition of visas from February for Belarusian citizens travelling to Iran for up to 14 days for tourist purposes, and the conclusion of an agreement on direct flights between Tehran and Minsk.

"Unfortunately, there has been only one flight by now due to the problems related to the issue of visas to Iranians," Alireza Sanei added. “However, it has recently become known that Belarus and Russia agreed on mutual recognition of visas, and we hope this will help simplify visits to Belarus for Iranians with a Russian visa. By the way, we are connected with Moscow by four weekly flights of the Iranian airline and 2 more by Aeroflot.”

Representatives of Iranian airlines paid a study visit to Belarus earlier, and they highly appreciated the country’s tourism potential. “I have not yet managed to visit all corners of Belarus as a tourist, but my work trips have allowed me to see a lot over the past two years. I was impressed by the Nesvizh and Mir castles, the Stalin Line, the Sula museum complex, and especially the descent into the potash mines to a depth of 620 metres. Belarus is a safe, clean country with beautiful nature. Iranian tourists love such places. Thirteen million people live in Tehran and they have to spend several hours in a traffic jam every Thursday and Friday to escape from the megapolis.”  

The diplomat believes the original Persian civilisation will become a true discovery for Belarusians. There are 28 UNESCO world heritage sites in the country, and nine of them are recognised as masterpieces of human genius.

"In Iran, you can see representatives of different cultures and religions, visit four seasons of the year at the same time – i.e. go skiing in the west or swim on the island of Kish in the Persian Gulf. In addition, Iran is famous for medical tourism: many citizens of neighbouring countries go there for complex operations and treatment. Low prices for accommodation, meals and transfers are another advantage of holidaying in Iran,” Alireza Sanei said.