HEGTA CEO warns international tourism organizations
Israeli warmongering threatens cultural heritage

Alireza Tabesh, CEO and Vice
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Social Security Tourism Holding (HSHTA),
warned in official letters to the Secretary-General of the World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO), the President of the World Travel and Tourism Council
(WTTC), the President of the Asia-Pacific Travel and Tourism Association
(PATA), and the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) about the threats posed by recent military
attacks on Iran's civilian infrastructure and He called for a transparent
stance and practical support from these institutions for Iran's cultural
heritage. In these letters, written following the recent military attack on
Iranian soil on June 13, Tabesh emphasized the fundamental principles of global
tourism institutions, including peace, mutual respect, sustainable development,
and the protection of cultural and natural heritage, and stated that continued
attacks on civilian and cultural infrastructure are not only a threat to a
country, but also a global danger to the historical memory of humanity.
The CEO of HEGTA has warned
that attacks on airports, residential areas and even peaceful nuclear
facilities, regardless of their legal consequences, are contrary to the ethical
principles of sustainable tourism and could have environmental and social
consequences at the regional and global levels. Tabesh also referred to Iran's
prominent position in world heritage in these letters, writing: "With
dozens of monuments registered on the UNESCO list and thousands of tangible and
intangible historical heritages, Iran holds an important part of humanity's
cultural memory, and the threat to these treasures is an issue that transcends
national borders." He also wrote to the heads of WTTC and PATA: "The
Iranian nation, with a long history of hospitality, peace, and culture, has
been mourning the loss of its children, mothers, national service personnel,
and scientific and cultural figures since the dawn of June 13, and has stood
patiently and steadfastly against an open attack on its sovereignty and
security."
Stating that despite the
challenges, Iranian tourism activists have always stood on the path of
interaction and communication between nations, he called on international
institutions to "stand by us as the voice of the people, which has its
roots in the history of the entire world." In another part of his letter,
he emphasized that "the silence of specialized tourism organizations in
the face of these bitter events can widen the gap between the industry and
human conscience." "We invite you to show by taking an ethical and
professional stance that the tourism industry will remain by the side of
people, culture, and peace even in difficult times."
In conclusion, Tabish
announced HEGTA's full readiness for cultural cooperation and conveying
authentic messages about the true face of Iran to the world. He said: "We
at HEGTA are ready to engage in dialogue with international institutions and
keep the true face of Iran alive in the minds of the world, beyond distorted
narratives."