Iran interested in attracting Thai investors in tourism field

Iran is interested in attracting Thai investors to work in the field of tourism, a deputy head of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) said at a meeting with officials of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Bangkok, AVA Diplomatic reports.

“This is the best time for the two nations to partner together and encourage traveling to each other’s country,” said Mohammadreza Karbasi, ICCIMA’s deputy head for international affairs while referring to Iran’s great potentials in the tourism sector.

Karbasi is currently in Thailand heading an Iranian commercial delegation as part of a study visit organized by the Thai Embassy in Tehran and TAT.

The meeting was hosted by Deputy Governor of TAT for Policy and Planning Chattan Kunjara Na Ayundhya and Deputy Governor of TAT for International Marketing on the sidelines of an international showcase on health and wellness tourism in Bangkok.

Karbasi visit to Thailand is aimed at presenting the special health and wellness packages offered by Thailand’s hospitals and clinics to the Iranian delegation, comprising representatives from ICCIMA and two other Iranian provincial chambers of commerce belonging to the ancient city of Isfahan in central Iran, and western city of Hamedan.

He expressed Tehran’s commitment and willingness to facilitate visa procedures for Thai people, adding that an e-visa service has been recently introduced for foreign travelers to Thailand.

During the meeting, Sahar Amini, representative from the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, introduced the central Iranian city as a leading tourism destination in the country, inviting TAT officials to visit Isfahan.

Tahereh Izadi, representative from the Hamedan Chamber of Commerce, was another speaker to the meeting who called for bilateral cooperation on health tourism.

Referring to the growing over 350 varieties of herbs in the western province, she expressed the province’s readiness to cooperate with Thai investors in this regard.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Thai delegation, Kunjara, expressed the team’s willingness to visit Iran soon.

Ahead of the bilateral meeting, the Iranian delegation attended the International Health and Wellness Trade Meet 2018 as an observer guest.

The TAT held the Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness Tourism Showcase 2018, under the concept, “Thailand: A Paradise for Longevity,” to promote the kingdom as a destination for products and services for a longer life.

At the event, thirteen health and medical centers from Thailand presented their special health and wellness packages to about seventy international buyers attending the trade meeting.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a dinner banquet in the honor of the Iranian delegation on Thursday, during which Thai Ambassador to Iran Kallayana Vipattipumiprates discussed bilateral trade ties with the deputy head of ICCIMA.

Touching upon cordial relations, both sides expressed the hope that obstacles to mutual banking cooperation will be resolved.