As the new year begins, leaders in the tourism sector are prioritizing fundamental infrastructure upgrades and service enhancements, all while adhering to principles of environmental sustainability and leveraging national strengths. The Social Security Tourism Holding (Hegta), encompassing a network of leading companies in rail transport and hospitality, has launched 1404 with ambitions to attract investment, expand infrastructure, and improve service quality.
This overview reflects insights from Alireza Tabesh, Hegta’s CEO, shared during his Nowruz visits to subsidiary companies and the Nowruz Travel Services Headquarters.
Crafting Investment Plans for Rail Fleet Expansion
On the second day of Farvardin 1404 (March 22, 2025), the CEO visited the coordination center of Raja Company’s Nowruz train operations. Extending New Year’s greetings to staff and travelers, he underscored the necessity for transformation in the rail sector. He remarked, “This year, we must develop focused investment packages to facilitate the renewal and growth of the rail fleet. Improving the rail transport system is a foundational element for advancing the nation’s tourism industry.”
Highlighting the increasing demand for rail travel amid current economic conditions, he described the new year as a valuable opportunity to enhance service quality. He stated, “Investment packages for Raja must be prepared swiftly and presented to relevant authorities, including Hegta, to secure the necessary funding and facilitate service improvements.”
Tabesh further stressed the importance of elevating the passenger experience, noting, “Any rise in train ticket prices should be matched by substantial improvements in service quality. This includes maintaining clean carriages, enhancing service delivery, expanding digital services, and consistently monitoring customer satisfaction.”
During his tour of Raja’s operational units, Hegta’s CEO expressed appreciation for the dedication of Raja’s employees and their extended team, emphasizing that prioritizing human capital remains central to the management’s strategy. He also announced plans for upcoming meetings with Raja’s leadership, the Social Security Organization, and the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways, where specific action plans for fleet expansion and addressing challenges will be finalized.
A Progressive Approach to Green Hospitality in Iran
On the third day of 1404 (March 23, 2025), during his visit to Tehran’s Homa Hotel and participation in a management coordination meeting of the Homa Hotels Group, Tabesh emphasized sustainable development, infrastructure renewal, and service quality enhancement as the core priorities for this historic hospitality brand. He insisted on moving away from traditional hotel management practices, stating, “Today, green and digital hospitality are vital competitive factors in the tourism industry. Reducing energy consumption, separating waste, and adopting eco-friendly technologies should become the standard for Homa Hotels.”
He called on hotel managers to compile detailed reports on the current state of their facilities and to present clear, well-defined renovation and development plans. “Homa Hotels possess strong potential to attract investors. It is crucial to develop specific investment packages and market these opportunities professionally.”
The CEO of Hegta also pointed to specialized staff training, improved customer satisfaction, and increased occupancy rates during Nowruz as positive signs of progress within the Homa Hotels Group. He concluded, “The Homa brand is one of the nation’s most valuable tourism assets. By embracing modern technologies and innovative management, it can set a benchmark for Iran’s hospitality industry.”
On Tuesday, April 4th (Farvardin 4, 1404), the CEO of the Social Security Tourism Holding Company (Hegta), accompanied by Manouchehr Naseralmalki, the CEO’s advisor, conducted his Nowruz visits by touring the “Migun” and “Shemshak” Iran Touring and Tourism Hotels in the Rudbar-e-Qasran area of Shemiranat. This visit aimed to assess the quality of services provided to Nowruz travelers. During the tour, Tabesh evaluated various sections of the two complexes, including the villas, recreational and entertainment areas, leisure facilities, laundry, kitchen, and restaurants, while engaging with the staff. He expressed gratitude for the employees’ efforts and praised the overall performance of the Iran Touring and Tourism Hotels.
Additionally, Tabesh contacted the CEO of the Iran Touring and Tourism Company and the managers of 10 hotel regions across the country by phone to extend his New Year’s greetings and to receive comprehensive reports on Nowruz service delivery. Based on these reports, he announced that during the first week of the holidays, some hotels achieved a 100% occupancy rate, reflecting strong traveler demand.
Customer club program: strategic Focus for Iran Touring Hotels in 1404
The CEO of Hegta underscored the important national role of Iran Touring and Tourism Hotels within the country’s tourism sector, announcing the launch of a customer club program as a key initiative for the year 1404. He remarked, “With its extensive geographic reach and climatic diversity, this group plays a crucial role in promoting Iranian culture and identity, maintaining a strong connection with its loyal clientele.” The club program is designed to provide exclusive benefits, special discounts, and elevate customer satisfaction—representing a vital step in strengthening the relationship between the brand and both longstanding and new travelers.
Advocating for Investment Support in Rail Transport
During multiple sessions of the Central Coordination Headquarters for Travel Services held over Nowruz, Alireza Tabesh highlighted the substantial capabilities of Raja Company in rail transportation and called on the Ministry of Cultural Heritage to support further investment in this sector. He noted, “Raja has transported more than 362,000 passengers during Nowruz alone and handles half of the nation’s rail traffic.” Tabesh also pointed out that the inauguration of new rail lines such as Tehran–Van and Tehran–Rasht this Nowruz has seen significant passenger interest and could set a precedent for expanding integrated travel options in the future. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Central Coordination Headquarters and stressed the need for enhanced coordination, communication, and joint planning among all tourism stakeholders.
Mostafa Fatemi, Director General of Domestic Tourism at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Secretary of the Travel Services Coordination Headquarters, recognized Hegta as a major force within Iran’s tourism sector. He noted that the holding’s involvement in rail transport and hospitality significantly contributes to the growth of domestic tourism.
Highlighting the ministry’s partnership with Hegta, Fatemi pointed to initiatives like the introduction of interprovincial tourist trains and the Tehran–Van rail route as important measures to balance transportation capacity with lodging options.
He emphasized that investment is key to overcoming tourism infrastructure challenges and stressed that boosting funding for entities such as Hegta—especially Raja Company and Homa Hotels Group—can help address these issues effectively.
Fatemi also acknowledged the strong cooperation between the ministry and Hegta through the Central Coordination Headquarters for Travel Services, expressing optimism that these collaborations at both national and provincial levels will support the expansion of rail and accommodation infrastructures.
A review of Hegta’s early 1404 plans and activities shows the holding is moving beyond day-to-day operations toward creating an integrated framework connecting transport and lodging infrastructure. Its focus on fleet upgrades, digital service enhancement, environmental sustainability, and launching a customer club program demonstrates a strategic effort to reshape travel experiences in Iran. With continued backing from authorities and investors, Hegta is poised to play a leading role in advancing domestic tourism and serve as a model for harnessing national resources
