Mozhgan Izadi, a member of the board of representatives and head of the Tourism, Carpet and Handicrafts Commission of the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, said at the opening ceremony of the first international gathering of 100 world tour operators in Isfahan: “Iran has many capacities in the tourism sector. Many of Iran's historical and cultural monuments are among the best, and these capacities should be exploited. Having the support of the governor, who has a special vision on tourism, and with the synergy of the governor's office, cultural heritage, municipality and the chamber of commerce, we managed to hold this great event, as the first gathering of 100 operators from 22 countries in Isfahan.
She stated that the move was to manifest to the world the welcoming atmosphere of Iran, irrespective of the propaganda against the it.  You witness the peace and tranquility of a city, where people of four different religions coexist peacefully. I hope you will leave Isfahan with good memories and as the ambassadors of peace in your countries.
I would like to make a comparison with the intention of bringing our potentials to the attention of the gathering.
I wish to attract your attention to the following comparison in tourism potentials:
The city of Paris annually hosts 45 million tourists and the city of Isfahan hosts 500 thousand foreign tourists; while, Khajou Bridge is more than 400 years old, and the Eiffel Tower is only 136 years old. Avenue des Champs-Elysées is a modelled after Chaharbagh Avenue in Isfahan. Notre Dame in Paris and Vank Cathedral, a monument which attests a historical presence of different religions in Isfahan. The Thirty-three Arched bridge is 423 years old, compared with the 129 years old Alexander III bridge. Naqhsh-e Jahan Square compared with Concorde Square, and the Imam Mosque with the Sacré Church (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre).
“Isfahan is a peaceful city in the Middle East and an attractive destination for tourists”
Amir Keshani, the president of Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, also stated in the opening ceremony of the event: Isfahan is the city of peace in the Middle East. this city has the most valuable historical monuments that should be introduced to the world.
In Isfahan, Muslims, Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians live peacefully, and history has never recorded a conflict between religions in this city. For this reason, Isfahan is a symbol of friendship and mutual respect. Dear guests, welcome to Middle East Peace City.
He continued: Isfahan is not just a city, but a beautiful place with history, art and culture and a special destination for travelers from all over the world. This city is known as "half of the world" because it has various historical monuments such as Naqhsh-e jahan Square, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Khajou Bridge and dozens of other historical places.
Strolling through the old bazars, Chaharbagh avenue or the bridges, one experiences a trip through the past.
Keshani said: Isfahan is known for its happy people, beautiful handicrafts and brilliant history. If your travelers want a unique cultural experience, Isfahan is a wonderful option to pick.
He further said: I hope you will experience memorable moments in this event and enjoy the beauties offered by the city. Undoubtedly, the efforts of all of us and you and dear tourists from different parts of the world can turn Isfahan into one of the busiest tourist spots in the world.

“Isfahan is an important destination for tourism”
Mehdi Jamalinezhad, the governor of Isfahan, also stated: Isfahan has many capacities in various sectors of tourism, including historical, natural, health, industrial, agricultural, etc., and pointed to having more than 4,500 handicraft production workshops operating in the city.
Isfahan was the capital of Iran in three periods and is a civilization base. Having 15 adopted sisters, Isfahan is a member of various international entities.
He said: Isfahan province is one of the central provinces of Iran, which has 114 cities, and each city in this province is a museum without a roof.
He added: Isfahan province with 22 thousand natural, historical and spiritual attractions is one of the most important tourist destinations in Iran.
Only in the city of Isfahan, there are 1,200 valuable historical works, which was recognized as the capital of the Islamic world in 2006.
Jamalinezhad said: Isfahan is also known as a creative and global city, and other cities of the province have plenty to offer.
Isfahan province has a total of 15 world-registered cultural heritages and 132 handicraft works, which show the cultural richness of this region. We have more than 20 types of handicrafts in Isfahan, which few cities have achieved this diversity.
He added: In Isfahan, different religions and ethnicities live together and this peaceful coexistence is an example of the rich culture of this city.
He further pointed out: Isfahan will be introduced as the tourism capital of Asian cities in 2025, and besides this honor, it has various types of tourism, including historical, cultural, health, rural and natural tourism potentials.
I invite you to portray the sweetness and serenity of Isfahan and introduce the knowledge and morals of the people of this land to the world. I hope this trip is the beginning of a lasting friendship and not the last trip.