Iran Roadshow 2024: A Landmark Event For Enhanced Collaboration
The highly anticipated Iran Roadshow 2024 unfolded on September 10 at St. Regis Mumbai marking a new era of collaboration between India and Iran. The grand ceremony opened with the stirring anthems of both nations setting the tone for an event that celebrated the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between these two ancient civilizations.
H.E. Mofidifar, the Acting Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Mumbai, delivered an inspiring keynote address. He passionately spoke about the unshakable bond between India and Iran, spotlighting Mumbai as a vital bridge that links the two nations. He emphasized the strategic significance of the Chabahar Port project, a game-changer for regional trade and connectivity, and urged the Indian public to discover the real Iran, beyond media portrayals, through direct engagement and travel.
The audience was then treated to a stunning visual showcase of Iran's breathtaking tourist attractions—a captivating journey through its ancient cities, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. This visual feast was followed by a powerful speech from Dr. Shalbafian, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Tourism. Mr. Shalbafian hailed the deep cultural and artistic connections between Iran and India, especially Mumbai’s role as a hub for fostering these ties. He highlighted the shared legacy of iconic Persian-language poets like Rumi, Hafez, and India’s own Amir Khusro Dehlavi, calling them bridges that unite the two countries.
The excitement escalated with a dynamic motion graphics presentation, showcasing the visa waiver, followed by a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation on Iran’s vast tourism potential. Adding to the glamour, Akbar Khan, a celebrated Indian influencer, film director, and producer, took the stage. He fondly recounted his long-standing cooperation with Iran, especially during the presidency of Mr. Larijani in Iran’s IRIB, and promoted Iran as an unmissable destination for Indian travelers.
The enthusiasm continued as H.E. Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, praised the ever-strengthening ties between India and Iran, recalling the successful hosting of an Iranian MP delegation last year. He welcomed the expansion of these relations and spoke of the bright future of cooperation between the two countries.
In a major development, Vishvajeet Patil, President of Maharashtra Tour Organisers' Association (MTOA), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the event, pledging deeper collaboration and coordination with Iran’s private sector. Mr. Shakib Mehr, Chairman of the Iranian Tour Operators Association (ITOA), also highlighted the Association's potential to boost partnerships with India’s tourism industry.
The event reached a thrilling crescendo as representatives from Iran’s top private companies took the stage to introduce themselves, followed by dynamic B2B meetings with tourism agencies and business leaders from Maharashtra. Over 120 major tourism agencies and 15 leading Iranian companies forged new partnerships, setting the stage for an exciting future of mutual growth.