TTO_February_2017_1-16_web

IRAN WORKS ON TOURISM
Tourism is big business in Iran. Iran is a country
of vast diversity, great natural beauty and
numerous heritage sites from ancient times.
Sitting on the Silk Road, the ancient connection gateway between
west and east has resulted in the creation of a unique culture with a
combination of western and eastern values. Iran is home to a dozen
cultures, traditions, ethnicities, and languages with a high potential
in tourism attractions.
Seeing the significant rise of tourists booking Iran even before the
nuclear deal was signed, shows Iran’s popularity.
Ali Vaghefi, an expert of the Iran travel industry and Vice President
and cofounder of the Iranian Tour Operators Association, believes
the political decisions by President Hassan Rouhani which led into
lifting sanctions, brought the golden age of the tourism industry to
the Islamic Republic.
With new moderate policies, the world has changed its view about
Iran, and Iranian people have more support for their government.
“Our friendly connection with the world will ease the ground for
those that want to travel to Iran. Iran is one of the world’s biggest
untapped tourist destinations having 19 UNESCO world heritage sites
and fascinating natural attractions.
Since the country has been out of the international investment list
its market has a great potential for investors in many different fields
including hospitality and aviation.
Proper training is important to attract new technologies and
educational methods to the country.
All business investors and companies can obtain the most up to dated
information about Iran’s economic situation and its future outlook
from Iranian tour operator companies.” said Mr. Vaghefi.
“Spring and fall season are the times that we have a rush in tourist
arrivals. In order to handle this upsurge Iran needs to upgrade its
infrastructures as fast as possible.
We need to triple the number of our four and five stars hotels. Leading
tour operators like us decided to create new products that will bring in
use all the aspects of Iran’s unique attractions during the winter and
also in summertime.”
Iran has a large area representing a great variation of climate and
biodiversity. In winter our travelers can drive to the north of Tehran
for skiing in Shemshak or take a flight to the southern islands at the
Persian Gulf. There they can enjoy jet skis and many other water
activities.
Also tourists have the option of safari tours in the desert and can njoy
camel riding, off-roading, sand boarding, trekking in the desert, and
star gazing at night.
“Despite the warnings on travelling to Iran, all those who chose to
experience this country have so many stories to tell about the warm
and special welcomes they received by the Iranian people. This is a
world away of what the media says about Iran.
We are privileged by having a powerful national protection that
has made Iran the safest country in the region and our tourists feel
absolutely secure during their stay. After the nuclear deal I have seen
news agencies or magazines that had never talked about Iran before
and are promoting Iran as one of the top destinations.
Iran became the number one destination for National Geographic
Traveler’s cool list of 2016, best places to travel in 2016 by Travel +
Leisure, one of the top 16 destinations on CNN list, and many more.”
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