Tehran: Mohsen Hajisaeid, president of the Iran Federation of Tour Guide Associations, described the World Tourism Conference 2025 (WTC2025) as more than just a conference; he called it a collective reflection on the future of tourism. He emphasized the importance of shared Asian values of inclusivity, resilience, and innovation, noting that tourism is ultimately focused on people rather than merely destinations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hajisaeid stated that the discussions at WTC2025 highlight the need to transition from a destination-centric to a people-centric approach. This shift places communities, travelers, and hosts at the core of tourism strategies. He remarked that while the 21st century is often referred to as the ‘Asian century,’ this designation holds significance only if Asian countries prioritize mutual focus and collaboration.

Hajisaeid stressed the importance of evolving beyond being just a source of outbound tourists to becoming a network of mutual discovery. Achieving this requires collaboration between governments and the private sector to bolster human connections, cultural understanding, and economic partnerships. He referenced Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s perspective on development as freedom, underscoring that genuine economic growth must be in harmony with human dignity, inclusivity, and cultural exchange.

He expressed optimism that platforms like WTC2025 would help advance this vision by addressing misconceptions, such as those regarding safety in Iran, thereby promoting greater freedom to explore various cultures. Hajisaeid compared the safety of Iranian cities like Yazd, Isfahan, and Tehran to that of Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, or Penang in Malaysia, conveying that these cities are equally welcoming to families, students, and visitors.

Furthermore, Hajisaeid called for the conference to be more than a platform for planning tourism’s future; it should also reaffirm a shared commitment to a peaceful, resilient, and sustainable Asia. He emphasized that cultural and intellectual differences should be seen as opportunities for deeper understanding rather than as divides.

In concluding his remarks, Hajisaeid encouraged embracing inclusive tourism, people-centered development, sustainable transformation, and resilience as guiding principles for the future.