Iran seeks to increase tourism revenues

Director of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization says the country is set to increase its tourism revenues.

Masoud Soltanifar said Iran’s annual tourism income stands at USD6-6.5 billion which should be increased, given the country’s tourism capacities.

The Iranian official also pointed to Iran’s meager 0.5% share of the world’s 6.5 trillion tourism income in 2013, and said it should reach 3%.

“Iran’s 20 year vision plan targets attracting 20 million tourists by 2025 which will earn the country USD30 billion,” IRIB News quoted Soltanifar as saying on Monday.

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.

By Press TV