The number of foreign tourists visiting Iran has increased 31 percent during Iranian New Year (Nowruz) 2019, Vali Teymouri deputy head of Iran’s cultural Heritage, Handcraft and Tourism organization told IRNA news agency.
According to Teymouri, more than 64 thousands foreign tourists visited Iran in the first week of Nowruz. After US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany signed a nuclear accord with Iran (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) in 2015, the international sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for the country limiting its sensitive nuclear activities. As a result, the Iranian economy boosted and there was also a boom in tourism industry. New hotels and restaurants were built and Tehran saw new opportunities in tourism.
However, it didn’t last too long. On May 8, 2018, the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the sanctions were re-imposed on Iran. Two months later, British Airways, Air France, and KLM announced an end to direct flights to Tehran, citing a lack of interest in the route.
Iranian Rial has lost its value considerably and in 2018, it fell to its lowest rate in 35 years. At the same time, the departure tax increased for leaving the country. These developments have pressured Iranians who got used to travelling outside for holidays.
At the same time, the number of Iranian tourists traveling to foreign countries has decreased 34 percent, Vali Teymouri said. Iran’s tourism industry is now at risk. A four-season country, Iran could potentially be a popular destination for foreign tourists. It is home to 23 UNESCO World Heritage.
Source » radiozamaneh