Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Iran’s Health Tourism Surge, Mashhad and Tehran Become Key Destinations for Global Medical Tourists, Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on
October 13, 2025

Mostafa Fatemi, Director General of Domestic Tourism at Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, shared that Iran’s tourism sector experienced unprecedented success, recording nearly one million health tourist arrivals, for 2024. These travelers came to Iran for treatment, wellness care services, and healthcare. Such health tourism surges are pivotal for the future of Iran’s economy and the sector remains a highly valuable economic asset for the country.

Fatemi asserted that health tourism’s ability to increase the health sector’s contribution to the economy is no exaggeration. Ramifications for Iran’s economy are staggering because health tourism gives access to essential and lucrative foreign exchanges, particularly for Iran’s income brackets. This is especially true for countries that offer specialized healthcare that is expensive or unattainable at home. These economic implications of health tourism to Iran are rosy, particularly for a country caught in regional conflicts, stretching Iran’s reputation through unfavorable and biased international media.

Iran’s Vision for Expanding Health Tourism

Iran’s health tourism sector has substantial room for growth, and the government has set ambitious plans to expand this industry. According to Jalal Ghafarzadeh, the Head of the Supervision and Accreditation Center for Medical Affairs at the Ministry of Health, Iran is targeting a revenue of €6 billion from health tourism as part of the country’s Seventh Development Plan. The government’s long-term strategy focuses on improving healthcare infrastructure, attracting international medical professionals, and enhancing the services available to foreign visitors seeking medical treatments.

A key component of this expansion involves increasing the country’s international competitiveness by offering specialized and high-quality medical services that cater to both regional and global health tourism markets. Iran has already become known for its advanced capabilities in various medical fields, such as cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, orthopedics, and dentistry, and these specialties continue to attract patients from across the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond.

Addressing Challenges to Boost Tourism and Health Sector Growth

Despite the success, Iran’s tourism and healthcare sectors face various challenges, particularly in urban tourism. Fatemi pointed out that the Ministry of Tourism has identified over 100 key challenges related to urban tourism, including issues in transportation, marketing, administration, education, tourism product diversity, and financial management. The government is actively developing plans to address these issues to make the country more accessible and appealing to international visitors.

Efforts to improve transportation infrastructure are also ongoing, with initiatives aimed at developing travel routes that allow tourists to easily reach their destinations without relying on private vehicles. This will enhance the overall tourism experience, making it more convenient and sustainable for both domestic and international visitors.

Private Sector Participation Vital to Success

Fatemi also highlighted the vital role of the private sector in the growth of Iran’s tourism and health tourism industries. Tourism development is seen as impossible without the active involvement of private stakeholders, and Iran’s government has been working to delegate certain authorities to these private partners. This cooperation is key to driving growth in areas such as tourism marketing, transportation, and the development of new health tourism services.

A more robust partnership between the Iranian government and private industry partners will enable the country to further improve its medical infrastructure, attract global medical professionals, and offer services that meet international standards. As Iran’s healthcare system continues to advance, the contribution of private sector players will be integral in attracting more international visitors seeking medical treatments and wellness services.

Expanding Iran’s Religious and Wellness Tourism

In addition to health tourism, Iran’s tourism industry is benefiting from its rich religious and wellness offerings. Fatemi acknowledged that religious tourism has long been an important component of Iran’s economy, with Mashhad being one of the most popular destinations for pilgrims, particularly those from Iraq, Afghanistan, and surrounding countries. Despite global restrictions in recent years, religious tourism has remained resilient and continues to be a key driver of the country’s tourism sector.

Iran is also focusing on expanding its wellness tourism offerings. The combination of advanced healthcare services with wellness programs, such as rehabilitation services, spa treatments, and holistic recovery options, enhances the country’s appeal as a health and wellness destination. By offering a blend of medical and wellness tourism, Iran is positioning itself as a comprehensive destination for travelers seeking both medical care and rejuvenation.

Tourism Diplomacy and International Collaboration

The Iranian government is strengthening its tourism diplomacy efforts to increase the visibility of the country’s diverse attractions, including its health tourism offerings. Fatemi outlined several key priorities, including enhancing Iran’s global tourism profile, promoting its cultural and historical heritage, and developing stronger cooperation with international tourism partners. To help achieve this, the Ministry of Tourism is working to redesign geographical target markets, focusing on emerging regions such as Latin America and Asia, while continuing to develop established markets in the Middle East and Europe.

One of the core initiatives is facilitating land border crossings and encouraging more international tourists to visit Iran’s cultural, historical, and natural attractions. The government’s emphasis on improving tourism infrastructure and building relationships with international travel operators is central to ensuring that Iran becomes a preferred destination for health tourists.

Reviving Cruise Tourism to Attract More Visitors

Iran is also working to revive its cruise tourism sector, which has the potential to significantly boost the number of visitors. Fatemi announced that recent efforts to remove docking and licensing barriers in the country’s northern and southern waters have paved the way for the return of cruise operations. These ships will be used for sea tours and tourism festivals, attracting international tourists and offering a unique way to experience Iran’s coastal regions.

Promoting Rural and Cultural Tourism

Iran is also making strides in promoting rural tourism, which not only benefits local communities but also helps preserve the country’s diverse cultural heritage. Fatemi highlighted Iran’s participation in the global “Best Tourism Villages” competition, where eight Iranian villages, including Muil, Palangan, and Kandolus, are being showcased to attract international visitors. This initiative aims to celebrate Iran’s rural cultures and landscapes, which are often overlooked in mainstream tourism.

Iran’s Tourism Industry Poised for Growth

Iran is entering the global tourism industry as a serious competitor, offering a combination of health, wellness, religious, and tourism services. The country’s advancement in healthcare, varied culture, and rich history is a great reason to draw foreign tourists. With the Iranian government’s continued improvements in strategic reforms and infrastructure developments, there is no reason the tourism industry, especially health tourism, should not prosper. Bordering countries and domestic tourism will undeniably increase, as will the economy. Travelers interested in therapy, culture, and relaxation services will soon flock to Iran, a country offering religious focus.