Iran enjoys 56% rise in tourist arrivals, expects more
More than 4.7 million foreigners travelled to Iran during the seven months to October 22, according to Ali Asghar Mounesan, the head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicraft and Tourism Organization.
The number shows a growth of 56% in total number of foreign visitors compared with the same period last year.
“Despite all the externals restrictions, mostly from the US, we have managed to attract more foreign travelers to the country…we expect to see higher growth in inbound tourism in the coming months,” Mounesan said in an interview with the state TV on Thursday.
The official put the lower costs of Iran travel packages as a key factor in making the country more attractive for foreigners.
The sharp decline in the value of the national currency in recent months seems to be an opportunity for fostering the promising industry of tourism in Iran. In recent months, Iranian authorities have redoubled efforts to give a boost to the tourism sector of the country to increase foreign currency revenues and create jobs in declining economic conditions.
A sharp declining national currency has meant that travelling to and shopping in Iran is now significantly cheaper for foreign nationals.
Challenges Ahead, Way Forward
But the path has not been free of challenges. The negative image created by the US along with foreign airliners decisions to stop Iran flights in recent months are two key problems the ICHTO is facing, Mounesan said.
He believes that hosting the 40th Plenary Session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization affiliate members in Hamedan has helped lower the recently-raised negativities about Iran.
Representatives of 80 countries took part in the event from Nov. 12 to 14.
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