Rewritten Title: Iran’s Social Security Fund Unveils Affordable Travel Initiative for Retirees and Youth
Article:
In a significant move to bolster domestic tourism and support key demographics, the Social Security Investment Holding Company (SHETA) has announced a new initiative to provide affordable, high-quality travel packages for retirees and the younger generation.
A Commitment to Affordable, Quality Travel
Alireza Tabesh, CEO and Board Member of SHasha Tourism Holding (Hegta), a subsidiary of Iran’s Social Security Organization, emphasized the organization’s duty to serve the nation’s retirees. “We are obligated to provide the large family of retirees with facilities or services at a lower cost,” Tabesh stated, clarifying that “affordability does not mean low quality or a lack of quality in services.”
Preliminary discussions have already taken place between the Supreme Council of Social Security Retirees and the head of the National Retirement Fund to lay the groundwork for these programs.
Targeting Retirees and the Next Generation
The initiative is strategically designed to benefit two main groups: retirees and the “Generation Z” youth. Tabesh expressed optimism that specific, affordable travel and tourism packages for these segments of the population would be finalized and ready within the next month, allowing them to travel with peace of mind.
Furthermore, negotiations are underway with the Ministry of Education to organize domestic tourism and “Iranology” tours for younger citizens, signaling a comprehensive approach to cultivating a travel culture across age groups.
Leveraging a Vast National Network
The plan leverages the extensive infrastructure already managed by Hegta. Annually, 15 million passengers—half of Iran’s rail travelers—are transported by the Raja Rail Transportation Company, another entity within the holding’s network.
Hegta’s tourism chain includes 70 hotels, ranging from 2 to 5 stars, operated by Homa and Iran Gasht World Tourism. The international Tamin Travel Agency acts as the central link, coordinating services across this vast network. Additional facilities include a coastal village in Bandar Anzali and the Abadgaran Tourism Company in Mashhad, providing services in the Khorasan Razavi and Mazandaran provinces.
Expanding Domestic Tour Packages
Highlighting a focus on synergy and recovery post-pandemic, Tabesh detailed the revival of rail-based tourism. After a halt due to COVID-19, collaborative efforts between Tamin Travel Agency and Raja Railways successfully launched one-day tours on the Tehran-Hamedan route. A tour on the Shirahgah route was recently initiated, with a new tour in the Rasht route scheduled to begin next week.
“We are developing tourism tours and have recently signed several memoranda of understanding with major economic conglomerates,” Tabesh added. “We hope to see the results in the tourism sector soon.”
Strengthening Governance for a Robust Future
Under its new management, Hegta has revitalized key internal committees—including auditing, investment, synergy, and appointments—after a long period of inactivity. “We are trying to take firmer steps in the country’s tourism sector through facilitative and transparent governance,” Tabesh explained, signaling a renewed commitment to efficient and accountable management.
This multi-pronged initiative represents a concerted effort to harness national resources for public benefit, fostering social welfare through accessible tourism and reinforcing the domestic travel industry.