Iranian Tour Operators Association (ITOA)
The Iranian Tour Operators Association began its activities in 1996 (1375 in the Iranian calendar) by a group of major Iranian tour operator offices and companies active in inbound tours, initially under the name “Specialized Committee of Inbound Tours.”
The main goal of forming this committee was to remove obstacles and problems hindering inbound tours and to facilitate the entry of foreign tourists from all over the world into Iran.
Official association of inbound tour operators in Iran.
History and Background
In 2003 (1382), due to the increasing number of tour operator offices and companies and the growing volume of activities, the committee was renamed the “Specialized Association of Iranian Tour Operators” and was officially registered under a new statute.
Its main governing bodies consist of the General Assembly, the Board of Directors, and the Inspector. Currently, the Association operates with a Board of Directors comprising seven main members, two alternates, one treasurer, one chief inspector, and one alternate inspector. Their names are listed in the section dedicated to introducing the Board members.
Today, more than 170 active travel agencies and companies specializing in inbound tourism are members of the Association, working together to strengthen Iran’s position as a distinctive travel destination.
Our Mission
The primary mission of the Association is to introduce the rich culture of our beloved country to researchers, scholars, enthusiasts, and all those eager to visit Iran, while assisting its members in attracting inbound tourists and providing services that meet standards competitive with leading countries in the international tourism sector.
Our Strategic Objectives
- Support quantitative and qualitative goals in national development plans.
- Organize and enhance specialized training for tour operator offices and companies.
- Elevate service quality to globally competitive standards.
- Participate in collective decision‑making processes affecting inbound tourism.
Cooperation and Advocacy
The Association actively cooperates with key national bodies, particularly the Iran Trade Promotion Organization and the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization, to remove obstacles hindering the development of inbound tourism.
It fosters broad collaboration to secure export incentives such as export awards and tax exemptions, and to design supportive mechanisms for member companies. These advocacy efforts are among the essential and foundational activities of the Association.
Through joint initiatives, policy dialogue, and continuous engagement with stakeholders, the Association works to build a more enabling environment for sustainable growth in inbound tourism to Iran.
Governance and Membership
Main Board Members
- Akbar Ghamkhar – President
- Mostafa Saravi – Vice President
- Dr. Ali Ghamkhar – Secretary
- Azam Ayoubian – Public Relations Manager
- Mohamad Ali Shahi – Treasurer
- Dr. Reza Seddighi – Senior Advisor
Alternate Members
- Manila Mohajer
- Bonakdarnia
A detailed presentation of all Board members and their profiles is available in the dedicated “Board of Directors” section.
Membership Profile
The Association currently includes 170 active travel agencies and companies specializing in inbound tourism, all committed to responsible, professional, and high‑quality services for visitors to Iran.
Member companies are located across the country and bring together extensive expertise in cultural, historical, nature‑based, and specialized tour programs designed for diverse international markets.
Head Office
The main office of the Association is located at: Valfajr Town, Iran Shenasi St., South Sheikh Bahaei St., Tehran, Iran