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Iran plans to double tourism share of GDP

Business Materials 16 October 2015 18:01 (UTC +04:00)
Head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicraft, and Tourism Organization Masoud Soltanifar has said that the country plans to boost tourism’s share of its economy from the current 5-6 percent to 10 percent.
Iran plans to double tourism share of GDP

Tehran, Iran, Oct. 16

By Mehdi Sepahvand -- Trend:

Head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicraft, and Tourism Organization Masoud Soltanifar has said that the country plans to boost tourism's share of its economy from the current 5-6 percent to 10 percent.

Soltanifar said that in Iran's 2025 Development Plan, the country should host 20 million people per year with an outcome of 25 to 30 billion dollars, Tasnim news agency reported Oct. 16.

Iran's tourism growth has been 12 in the past couple of years. This is while the world average is 4.6 percent and the Asian average is 5 percent.

According to the official, Iran needs to keep its tourism industry growth at 12 to 14 percent in order to achieve the goals depicted in the 2025 Development Plan.

He added Iran has provided airport visa for tourists coming from190 countries.

This year Iran also increased its tourist visa validity from 15 days to 30.

To host 20 million tourists, 400 new hotels are needed to be built with 270 of the 4 or 5 star standard, Soltanifar said.

Iran currently has 1,100 hotels and 500 to 600 hotel-apartments. 130 of the Iranian hotels are 4 or 5 star.

The official added 50 percent of Iran's hotels are in the religious tourist hub of Mashad. He further stated that there is no problem regarding the number of hotel rooms in Mashhad, Kish Island or Sarein, while some cities like Isfahan are witnessing shortcomings.

Edited by CN

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