Muslim Shojai, Director of the Foreign Tourism Marketing and Development Office of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran, called on the BRICS countries to mutually waive visa requirements at the first Union Tourism Forum held in Moscow. Shojai pointed out that Iran has already waived visa requirements for 10 out of the 6 BRICS countries. He emphasized the need to increase the number of direct flights between the member countries, highlighting the role of airlines in promoting the tourism industry. The official also emphasized the importance of the private sector in the development of the tourism industry within the Union, and pointed out that collaborative work among travel agencies can stimulate an increase in the number of short trips. In order to further promote tourism development between the BRICS countries, Shojai suggested that members focus on marketing strategies. He also invited citizens of member countries to visit Iran and noted that residents of over 40 countries can enter the country without a visa.