Tourism Officials Push Smart Services Across Iran’s Travel Sector

Iranian tourism officials are calling for a shift toward smart tourism in Iran, with artificial intelligence and digital services used across trip planning, destination marketing, bookings, visas and the visitor experience.

Noshirvan Mohseni Bandpei, the deputy minister for tourism at Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, said at a press briefing that the sector should pursue digital transformation while preserving the country’s cultural and historical character.

He said newer technologies could help tourism operators understand the market, promote destinations, improve productivity and deliver better services to travelers.

Smart tourism in Iran could involve startups and universities

Mohseni Bandpei said knowledge-based companies, startups, universities and private businesses could play a significant role in the transition. His remarks presented the initiative as a broad policy direction rather than a finalized program: no budget, timetable or performance targets were disclosed.

He said technology should be applied throughout the travel chain, including marketing, reservations and visa issuance. He also cited Saudi Arabia’s experience with issuing individual visas and said Iran has the capacity to take similar steps.

The ministry is also pursuing a project called the “Travel Card,” Mohseni Bandpei said. He did not provide details about how the card would work, who would be eligible or when it might become available.

The proposal comes as tourism authorities worldwide examine how AI and data tools could help destinations understand traveler behavior and manage services. UN Tourism has promoted the use of AI and big data across the sector, while warning that adoption requires appropriate governance and practical implementation.

For Iran’s plan, the next test will be whether the policy direction is followed by specific projects, funding and measurable targets.