ISTS was established in 2002 to organize Iran's university basketball match and focus on hosting regional, provincial, national, and international sporting events to increase sport tourism in Iran. Some key events ISTS helped organize included the 2004 friendly match between Iran and Germany's national soccer teams. ISTS recognizes the value of sporting events in enhancing Iran's profile as a sport and tourism destination and aims to target high-profile national and international events. Its strategy is to develop relationships with local and international sporting organizations and assess event hosting opportunities to expand Iran's sport tourism industry.