Promoting TourismTehran recently hosted the International Conference on Tourist Promotion Between Asia and the Middle East.
Participants explored ways and means of cooperation, as well as promotion of tourism in this part of the world.
Organizing this gathering is a commendable gesture on the part of Iranian tourism authorities and indicates the importance attached by Iran to this sector, CHN reported.
All government representatives or tourism agencies shared the vision that after export of manufactured goods or raw materials, tourism is the third largest source of income for any country.
Domestic Situation
As for Iran, after oil and non-oil exports, tourism needs to become the most important source of income.
A couple of years ago, a survey conducted by international institutions made a comparison of the tourism incomes of different countries. This survey showed France’s tourism revenues stood at 10 billion euros, accounting for 11.4 percent of gross national product, whereas Iran’s tourism income was negligible.
Iran has amazing tourist attractions (an estimated 930 spots across the country), but many are not well known to foreigners.
Despite its ancient monuments, historical relics, natural attractions, diversified climate, tasty cuisine and a variety of delicious fruits, one wonders at Iran’s low tourism income.
This for a long time has been the theme of discussions and endeavors of all concerned governmental agencies and institutions. So far, many seminars have been organized to address the issue and this will probably continue.
Key Factors
Attracting tourists has positive economic impacts. In spite of the cultural dimension of tourism in bringing nations closer, its economic aspect has gained so much prominence that some countries solely depend on tourism income.
Naturally, this industry can supplement the Iranian economy. However, tourism promotion requires a national will, long-term strategic plan and powerful infrastructure.
A survey of countries that annually attract tens of thousands or even millions of tourists shows that there are a number of key factors that need to be handled carefully. First, tourists visiting a country need to feel secure and comfortable as far as transport, accommodation and meals are concerned.
In Iran, although a chain of good new hotels have been built nationwide over the past 30 years, particularly in tourist cities, there is still room for expansion. We have hotels built 40 years ago, which need renovations to meet the global standards. Those active in this business must be financially supported.
Investment in tourism industry is unavoidable. This can be financed either by domestic or foreign sources. But they have to enjoy the support of the government. There are many foreigner creditors all across the world, particularly in Asia, who are prepared to invest in this lucrative business.
Investment in this sector ensures that the return of capital is quick and the payoffs would be made from tourists. So, investors are eager to undertake tourism ventures.
Secondly, tourists must be provided fast, comfortable, efficient and good means of transportation for their transfer from one place to another.
This requires advanced means of air, land and sea transportation. So, it is imperative that any country seeking to promote tourism must equip its transport fleet with modern planes, buses, ships ad trains that serve domestic and international tourists. Thirdly, more attention should be paid to the historical and attractive sites and endeavors must be made to facilitate the visit of tourists. Countries spend millions of dollars in this respect and it has paid off. Iran should emulate their example.

Goodwill Ambassadors
Many investors arrive as ordinary tourists to explore lucrative markets. They want firsthand information about a country’s tourism as well as its economic, social, cultural and political aspects. The capabilities of a country may encourage them to invest in not only tourism ventures but also in other economic fields.
It is wrong to perceive that a tourist will not observe the cultural, social and religious values of a country. A tourist briefed about different aspects of life will respect the country’s values.
So, it is pertinent that in addition to showing historical and cultural places, tourists are also briefed on the economic and other potentials of the country. Upon returning to their countries of origin, they will act as goodwill ambassadors.
Iranians have always been well known for their hospitality toward foreigners. If their legitimate needs are met satisfactorily, tourists will appreciate this fine Iranian characteristic and leave with wonderful memories.

An international seminar on Persian Gulf will be held in Tehran during May 19-21.
Announcing this, secretary of the event, Mohsen Tehranizadeh, told IRNA that the inaugural ceremony of the seminar will be attended by Iranian and foreign experts at Iran’s National Library. “The agenda, which will include presentation of articles, is to be hosted at Iranian Studies Foundation,“ he said.
The articles to be presented at the event will focus on ’local literatures of Persian Gulf coastlines’, ’economic development, environment and Persian Gulf developments’, ’deeds, documents and historical maps of Persian Gulf islands and ports’, ’social, cultural, urban factors of Persian Gulf islands and ports’, ’local culture and anthropology of Iranian islands and Persian coastlines’, ’art and architecture’, ’its coastlines and islands’ and ’geographical and historical studies on Persian Gulf’.