The boom in Iran’s tourism industry is due to different disciplines in the tourism market, especially religious tourism and eco-tourism, which can get Iran’s 2% share in the global eco-tourism industry.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has predicted that there will be 3.6% growth in 2007 in Iran’s tourism industry in a recent report. Bangkongpost published news that revealed WTTC reporting total revenues of the tourism industry to reach $31.7 Billion in 2007.
The report expects the number of employees in the tourism sector to reach 1.761 Million, accounting for 8.5% of the total number of employees, and the council also predicted that the total number of Iranian employees in the tourism sector would reach 2.124 Million in another ten years (2017).
Further, Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Organization signed 60 agreements on tourism cooperation with other states. The organization’s senior official, Mohammad-Kazem Kholdi-Nassab, said, "Based on the agreements, by the end of this year (2007), the organization will establish 30 overseas information offices with the assistance of the Foreign Ministry”, as per PressTV.
Mohammad also revealed the participation of 265 individuals and institutions and 200 foreign investment companies in the first international forum on ‘Investment Opportunities in Iran’s Tourism Industry’ held on August 25 and 26 in Tehran.
The recent merger of culture and tourism and the alleged resurgence of the tourism market have raised the hopes of government for double-digit growth. The Iranian government is offering cash to travel agents in order to boost tourism in Iran and has also plans to offer online visas to bring in more number of tourists.
A tourism expert at the Management and Planning Organization (MPO) said that tourism is the fourth largest industry in Iran in terms of jobs it creates. Iran is a house for several amazing tourist destinations. Some sections like medicine, aquatherapy and religion are also paid due attention. For Iran’s tourism industry, both religious tourism and eco-tourism is important, which can earn 2% of the global eco-tourism income for Iran.
A RNCOS research analyst said, “The blossoming tourism industry in Iran, which has large potential, has played a pivotal role in promoting the economic growth and social prosperity. Foreigners continue flocking to Iran as they are lured by low prices of goods and services, mainly the low cost of medical treatments”.
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