In an interview with the reporter of the Naqsh-e-Eqtesad newspaper, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Hegta Tourism Holding, while referring to the successful holding of Expo Kish and active participation in this event, said: “Holding such exhibitions in the current economic conditions where we are witnessing sanctions and economic challenges is of great value. This event is an opportunity to enhance international understanding and ties in the field of tourism, especially health tourism.” He initially referred to the special conditions for holding Expo Kish and said: “Holding this event in the current economic conditions of the country, which is facing challenges such as sanctions and economic problems, is commendable. At this exhibition, we witnessed the presence of companies, personalities, and investors alongside economic packages, which shows the importance of the tourism industry. Of course, evaluating and recognizing the damages, strengths, and weaknesses of this period can help improve future periods.” Tabesh continued, referring to the presence of Hegta Holding in this event: “We are present at this exhibition on behalf of our subsidiaries and had very good discussions with guests and investors. These meetings and negotiations show that Iran’s tourism industry, especially in the field of health tourism, should have a greater share in the global market.”
The CEO of Hegta Holding continued to address the challenges facing Iran’s tourism industry, saying: “One of the most important problems facing the tourism industry is the lack of public awareness and knowledge of the industry’s capacities and opportunities. As a four-season country with unique natural and cultural resources, Iran has great potential in the field of tourism, but unfortunately, until recent years, this industry has not been able to achieve its real share in the country’s economy.”
He added: “In recent decades, due to greater attention to other industries such as oil, petrochemicals, and industry, the share of the tourism industry in the country’s economy has decreased. This is while tourism can play a very important role in the economy as a currency-generating and job-creating industry.”
In another part of his speech, Sh. referred to the field of health tourism and its importance for Iran, saying: “Health tourism is one of the most important fields of tourism in which Iran can become a global hub. Iran is an attractive destination for health tourists from neighboring countries due to its well-equipped medical centers, specialized doctors, and low medical service costs.” The CEO of Hegta Holding also added: “One of Hegta Holding’s plans in this regard is to attract investment in the health tourism sector. We are seeking to introduce investment opportunities in this sector to both domestic and foreign investors. We especially welcome neighboring countries that trust Iran’s medical services.”
Tabesh pointed out one of the important problems in the field of health tourism and said: “Unfortunately, there is no good supervision and coordination in the health tourism sector. Currently, investment opportunities in this field are not properly converted into executive projects. One of our goals at Hegta Holding is to introduce investment opportunities in this sector at various exhibitions and events and establish good relations with neighboring countries.” He added: “Iraq is among the countries that welcome Iranian medical services. For example, a large number of travelers from Basra enter the cities of Khorramshahr and Abadan every year to benefit from medical services. But unfortunately, there is still not enough coordination and supervision in this field, and this is one of the challenges we face.”
Strengthening health tourism infrastructure in border provinces
The CEO of Hegta Holding further emphasized that in order to develop health tourism, the necessary infrastructure in border provinces must be strengthened. “One of our priorities at Hegta Holding is strengthening the infrastructure in border provinces. These provinces, especially the southwestern provinces of Iran that share a border with Iraq, can become centers for attracting health tourists.”
Tabesh stated: “If we can strengthen infrastructure such as hospitals, hotels, airports and transportation in these provinces, in addition to attracting health tourists, we can create new job opportunities and increase the security and welfare of the people of these regions.”
Tabesh also referred to international cooperation in the field of health tourism and said: “We are negotiating with neighboring countries such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the southern border countries of Iran to cooperate with them in the field of health tourism. These cooperations can lead to the exchange of knowledge, experiences and investment opportunities and ultimately contribute to the growth and development of this industry in Iran.” In conclusion, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Hegta Holding emphasized that Hegta Holding’s view of the tourism industry, especially in the field of health, is a long-term view and they are trying to turn this industry into one of the main pillars of the country’s economy through domestic and international cooperation. “We hope that in the near future, by introducing investment opportunities in the field of health tourism and strengthening infrastructure, we can turn Iran into the main destination for health tourists.”