Iran prepared for “new tourist shock”

Director of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization says the country is well-prepared for the “new shock” to be triggered by massive tourist inflow.

“We believe that tourism industry will witness a growing trend in Iran and we are prepared for the new shock which will be caused by the massive inflow of tourists,” said Masoud Soltanifar in a meeting with a German parliamentary delegation in Tehran.

Iran’s highest-ranking tourism official said tourist influx into the country is expected to increase dramatically in the second half of 2015 after the final deal is secured in the nuclear talks between Iran and P5+1.

Soltanifar said Tehran has already taken a series of measures including improving air transportation fleet, developing accommodation facilities and easing visa restrictions to boost tourism industry in the country, Donyay-e Eghtesad newspaper reported.

Iran has attached considerable significance to developing its tourism industry in recent years.

The country is seen as one of the world’s top potential tourist destinations as it holds countless ancient sites.

It hosts Asia’s 4th and the Middle East’s 1st largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Iran is home to 17 historic sites which have been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.

It has a diverse landscape and its tourism industry offers a myriad of recreational opportunities.

They range from hot mineral water showers in the northwest to hiking and skiing in the Alborz mountains to magnificent architectural sight-seeing in the center and beach holidays in the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea.

Apart from its glorious ancient sites, the country’s allure lies in its people’s reputation for hospitality.