According to the Public Relations and International Affair Department of Kish Free Zone Organization, this is the first time that an Iranian commercial-industrial free zone is joining the World Tourism Organization. Alireza Ghaedian, the Deputy Director of Kish Free Zone Organization for Tourism Affairs, said: "Membership in the UNWTO Organization is a great and valuable opportunity that provides access to the latest achievements of global strategic research while creating opportunities for international engagement in the tourism sector. As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability, and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. UNWTO's membership includes 158 countries, 6 territories, and over 500 affiliate members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations, and local tourism authorities.

Ghaedian also pointed to the benefits of membership in the UNWTO, and said: "Membership of Kish Free Zone Organization, as a set of airlines, maritime lines, residential accomodations, travel agencies, educational institutions, etc. can have a lot of international outcomes, including using UNWTO as an international platform to engage with the public and private sectors of the tourism industry from around the world, exchanging tourism statistics from all member states, benefiting from the World Tourism Organization's consultancy and advisory assistance, accessing the electronic library and exchange of successful experiences with all its affiliated members."

Kish Free Zone Organization's Membership to UNWTO was officially approved at the 109th UNWTO Executive Council session, held in Manama, Bahrain from October 30 to November 1. Representatives from 35 countries, including ministers and ambassadors, attended the landmark event in Bahrain.

PR & Int'l Affairs Department- KFZO