TEHRAN – Iran considers importing tourism vehicles from China and drafting a joint roadmap to strengthen transport infrastructure for the sector, the head of Iran’s Touring and Automobile Club said on Thursday.

Mohammad Hossein Soufi, managing director of the Touring and Automobile Club of Iran, made the announcement during a visit to the Guangzhou export and import center (China Import and Export Fair Pazhou Complex), CHTN reported on Thursday.

Soufi said the initiative marks a new phase of international cooperation in tourism and aims to address infrastructure gaps while supporting Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan.

“One of the requirements for strengthening Iran’s tourism industry is to develop the specialized transport fleet. By importing high-quality vehicles custom-made to tourism needs, we will act as an executive arm of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts,” he was quoted as saying.

The Guangzhou center, a major hub for vehicle exports to markets in Africa, South America and West Asia, held talks with the Iranian delegation on selecting vehicles suitable for Iran’s tourism sector and adapting them to cultural and climatic conditions.

Managers at the Guangzhou center welcomed the partnership and said that, following formal orders, limited pilot exports of tourism vehicles to Iran could begin to assess the market. They added that a comprehensive proposal outlining the framework for future cooperation would be submitted.

At the end of the visit, Soufi invited Guangzhou managers to attend Iran’s specialized exhibitions on tourism, camper vans and caravans.

Tourism vehicles and buses are specially designed and customized to meet the needs of travelers, offering both comfort and functionality during journeys. Unlike standard passenger transport, these vehicles are equipped with features that enhance sightseeing, long-distance travel, and group excursions. They often include large panoramic windows for better views, reclining seats for comfort, onboard restrooms, and entertainment systems. Many are fitted with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and charging ports to make travel more convenient.

By combining safety, comfort, and specialized design, custom-made tourism vehicles play a vital role in shaping the travel experience, making journeys not only practical but also enjoyable and memorable.

AM