TEHRAN - Iran has decided to postpone the 19th Tehran International Tourism and Handicrafts Exhibition following a joint meeting between tourism officials and private sector representatives.

The annual event, which had been scheduled to run from Feb. 23 to 26 at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground, will be held at a later date to be announced, according to the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts.

The decision was made on Saturday evening during a meeting attended by Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpey, deputy minister for tourism, Maryam Jalali-Dehkordi, deputy minister for handicrafts, senior officials from both sectors and representatives of professional associations and private businesses.

Participants reviewed the latest preparations for the event and assessed its executive, social and economic aspects. They agreed that more time was needed to ensure appropriate logistical arrangements and effective publicity for the exhibition.

Private sector representatives said holding a national tourism and handicrafts exhibition required full readiness by industry stakeholders and sufficient time for planning and promotion, according to a statement from the ministry’s public relations office.

They said achieving the exhibition’s objectives, including showcasing capacities, attracting specialist and public audiences and creating economic opportunities, depended on adequate infrastructure and coordination.

Some industry representatives proposed setting the exhibition date further in the future to allow broader outreach and more effective participation.

The deputy ministers for tourism and handicrafts said the ministry aimed to coordinate closely with the private sector in organizing national events and stressed that the exhibition was intended to provide a suitable platform for tourism and handicrafts stakeholders.

They said decisions on the event should take into account practical considerations and the current conditions facing economic actors in the two sectors.

The ministry said the new dates would be announced later through official channels after further expert reviews and coordination.

The meeting was held amid the recent U.S. indications of preparing to initiate a war with the Islamic Republic and its recent military deployment in West Asia and near the Persian Gulf.

AM