Stating that currently, Hegata subsidiaries have more than 60 hotels across the country, from three-star economy hotels to five-star luxury hotels, which are ready to welcome Iraqi tourists and delegations from the Basra Chamber of Commerce and other Iraqi businessmen, he pointed out the capacities available in Hegata subsidiaries and the possibility of investing in the tourism sector, adding: Hegata’s three subsidiaries have suitable land for investment in the best parts of the country, and within the framework of the holding’s policies, the presence and participation of investors in this field is welcomed.
Tabesh continued his speech by saying: Abadan and Khorramshahr, as important points of connection with Basra province, have special importance in the field of tourism and pilgrimage, and we are ready to cooperate and synergize with the private sector to develop this sector.
The CEO of Hegata also emphasized the importance of attending Iraqi trade fairs and added: “We would like to encourage and plan the Iranian private sector and Iranian tourism agencies to actively and effectively attend exhibitions related to the tourism supply chain, based on the Basra Chamber of Commerce’s exhibition calendar.” In another part of his speech, referring to the history of follow-ups to facilitate the entry of Iraqi tourists by car to Abadan, he suggested that a joint consortium be formed between Iran and Iraq in the field of tourism. Tabesh added: “The International Supply Agency Company and the Arvand Free Zone Organization, in cooperation with the Automobile and Tourism Center, should establish a joint consortium to facilitate the entry of tourists by car from Basra to Abadan.”
Focus on developing flight routes and rail transport
Following this meeting, the head of the Basra Chamber of Commerce emphasized the need to establish new flight routes between Iran and Iraq and said: “Currently, there is only one flight from Basra to Mashhad, but there is the capacity to develop other routes. We can reach new agreements in this regard.”
He also pointed out the importance of implementing the Shalamcheh-Basra railway project, adding: “Constructing a railway between the two countries takes time, but once this connection is established, other transportation infrastructure will also be developed.”
Seyed Emad also announced the readiness of Iraqi tourism service offices and travel agencies to charter new flights, saying: “At the request of the Iranian side, we are ready to launch charter flights from Basra to Mashhad, Kish, or northern Iran so that more tourists can benefit from Iran’s religious and natural tourism capacities.”