The World Tourism Network awarded Sahrzad Moayeri the tourism hero title on December 31, 2025
Sahrzad Moayeri serves as Director of International Relations at the Association of Air Transport & Tourist Agencies of Iran—and as a proud member of the World Tourism Network (WTN), she represents a rare blend of professionalism, resilience, and quiet courage in one of the world’s most politically complex tourism environments.
An experienced executive manager with a long-standing career in the leisure, travel, and tourism industry, Moayeri brings deep expertise in negotiation, hospitality, travel agency operations, and international tourism development. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Tehran, a background that has shaped her human-centered approach to leadership and diplomacy.
But titles alone do not define Shahrzad Moayeri.
What sets her apart is her unwavering passion for tourism in her beloved country, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and her ability to make the impossible possible—keeping travel and tourism alive during times many would consider unworkable.
Tourism in a Political Crossfire
Iran remains one of the world’s most under-visited tourism powerhouses.
Its assets are indisputable:
- One of the oldest civilizations on Earth
- Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Extraordinary geographic diversity—from snow-capped mountains and vast deserts to forests, coastlines, and islands
- A young, educated population with deep cultural pride and legendary hospitality
Yet Iran’s tourism industry does not rise or fall on market forces alone. It is uniquely shaped by geopolitics, sanctions, and global perception. Security narratives—often disconnected from lived reality—frequently dictate demand.
For tourism professionals like Moayeri, this volatility means constant reinvention. Long-term planning is rare. Stability is fragile. Resilience is not a strategy—it is a daily requirement.
Women Holding the Iranian Tourism Industry Together
Shahrzad Moayeri gained international attention in the eTurboNews feature
“Inside Iran’s Tourism Industry: Women, Resilience, and Hospitality Against the Odds.”
The article highlighted a reality often overlooked: behind Iran’s ancient sites and renowned hospitality, women are quietly holding together a tourism industry under immense pressure.
In that World Tourism Network feature, Moayeri shared how culture, cuisine, storytelling, and human connection continue to sustain Iran’s tourism spirit—despite global isolation.
Shining in Impossible Times for Iran Tourism
Today, Iran faces profound challenges: street protests in major cities, hyperinflation, escalating nuclear rhetoric, and the persistent shadow of conflict. Yet Shahrzad Moayeri shows up every day—and she shines.
She shines among colleagues.
She shines within the global tourism family.
And she shines as a steadfast advocate for peace through tourism.
Well connected internationally and respected across borders, Moayeri is known for always going the extra step—maintaining a positive, caring, and inclusive attitude at a time when many have written Iran off as “no longer relevant” to global tourism.
Her work sends a powerful message:
Tourism is not just an industry—it is a bridge.
And even in the most difficult moments, human connection endures.
