Rouhani Administration Attracts as Many Tourists as Possible

on June 1, 2021 | 7:47:13

For the first time since the 1979 Revolution, international hotel chains are now plotting a return to Iran, while European airlines are adding or restoring links with Tehran and it is the most visible effect of President Hassan Rohani’s effort to restore ties with the US and Europe

According to statistics, between March 21 and April 20 this year, 4,594 foreign tour groups visited Iran, more than double the number that arrived in same period last year.

Also, Iran wants to remove or ease visa requirements for 12 countries to draw more visitors.

Austrian Airlines resumed direct flights to Tehran from Vienna in March and Iranian officials have been in talks with the Italian government and Alitalia to increase the frequency on routes.

Further, Representatives from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands and several Arab countries, including Oman and Kuwait, have also visited Iran aimed at seeking future opportunities to invest in Iranian tourism.

President Rohani has promised a rapprochement with the world powers. Among his first pledges after taking office last year, Rohani said he planned to improve the quality of the tourism industry and draw more foreign travellers.

Travel and tourism accounted for 6.3% of Iran’s $482bn economy in 2012, according to an estimate by the World Economic Forum in a report last year.

Taking into account Shia pilgrims and visitors from neighbouring countries such as Azerbaijan, more than 4mn overseas visitors toured Iran from March 2013 to March 2014, each accounting for an estimated $1,200 of revenue, according to a report by the official Islamic Republic News

A number of selected pictures from foreign tourists in Isfahan