Political and business leaders’ line-up for Iran Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference
300 leaders gather to drive the industry forward
More than 300 industry leaders are to gather next week at the inaugural Iran Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (IHTIC). H.E. Dr. Zahra Ahmadipour, Vice President - Head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO), will open the conference alongside Ahmad Jamali, General Director for Foreign Investment at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance.
More than 300 industry leaders are to gather next week at the inaugural Iran Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference (IHTIC). H.E. Dr. Zahra Ahmadipour, Vice President - Head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO), will open the conference alongside Ahmad Jamali, General Director for Foreign Investment at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance. Two days of panel discussions and thought leadership presentations by leading industry experts will follow, along with a unique chance to hear political leaders' views first-hand and opportunities to network with prominent investors, developers and operators.
According to the latest Euromonitor report "Travel in Iran", Iran is, without a doubt, the new up-and-coming tourism destination, and is likely to become the leading tourism market in the MENA region, provided that the infrastructure is able to develop and cope with changes. President Hassan Rouhani is determined to boost tourism and encourage foreign investment and the Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organisation is working on this hand in hand with local municipalities to attract more investors.
An increasing number of investors are eyeing the opportunities in Iran, however, there are still regulatory and red tape hurdles in the process. Dr. Saeed Shirkavand, Deputy of Planning and Investment at Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO), will take to the stage next week to present investment opportunities in Iran.
The second day of the conference will be opened by Masoud Khansari, Chairman of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture and Mohsen Mehralizadeh, Chairman of the Tourism Committee at the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines & Agriculture. The opening session will be followed by "The Mayor's Den" in which Dr. Mehdi Jamalinejad, Mayor of Isfahan will discuss the role of Municipalities in the development process, with Dr. Mehdi Jahangiri, Chairman and CEO of Iran's Tourism Financial Group.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of Bench Events and founder of IHTIC commented "The conference is looking set to be one of the region's most influential gatherings at which the focus will be on challenges and opportunities facing the hotel and tourism industry. The conference will stimulate dialogue between the public and private sector; showcase project opportunities and how to access the market and do business in Iran."
The Iran Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference will take place on February 7-8 at the Parsian Evin Hotel in Tehran. For more information visit www.iranian-conference.com.
About IHTIC
Organiser: Bench Events Founder Sponsor: Incubeemea Patron Sponsor: Atiyaeh Saba Investment Company and Link Me Global Platinum Sponsors: AccorHotels, Azimzadeh Carpet Co., Deutsche Hospitality, Ilio Italian Restaurant, Melia Hotels International, Rastin Tours Gold Sponsors: DSA Architects International, Eye of Persia, Louvre Hotels Group, Parsian International Hotels Co., Rotana, Sarcheshmeh, Shaza Hotels, TRI Hospitality Consulting, ZAS Group of Companies Exhibitors: Servotel and Superfrost.Education Partner: Modul University Dubai. Supporters: Euromonitor International, Hospitality Asset Managers Association, Investors Group Iran, Pacific Asia Travel Association, Tehran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture and Tehran International Tourism Exhibition.
About The Bench
The Bench has built a legacy as a global curator of opportunity, designing transformative forums and summits that empower the hospitality and travel industries to connect, innovate, and thrive. With over two decades of expertise, The Bench creates platforms that go beyond transactions to inspire collaboration and drive meaningful change. Each event brings together government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel associations, leading hospitality brands, hotel owners and investors, airlines, destination developers, and more. From flagship gatherings like FHS World (formerly AHIC) and FHS Saudi Arabia, to FHS Africa (formerly AHIF) and AviaDev, The Bench creates events where ideas spark, relationships deepen, and investments take flight. The Bench thrives on fostering dynamic and forward-looking dialogues, uniting industry pioneers to address challenges, seize opportunities, and co-create the future. Each event is crafted to deliver more than just connections - it’s about transforming ideas into action and building a better tomorrow.