Tourist arrivals have increased by 40 percent in the first 9 months of the current Iranian year (starting March 21). Announcing this, Alireza Ameri...
Tourist arrivals have increased by 40 percent in the first 9 months of the current Iranian year (starting March 21).
Announcing this, Alireza Ameri, the deputy head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization for tourism affairs, said 2,364,204 tourists entered the country in the first 9 months of this year, IRNA reported.
"About 1,698,727 tourists visited the country in the corresponding period of last year," he said.
"During Nov. 22-Dec. 21, the country witnessed a 14-percent increase in the number of foreign tourists arrivals compared with last year's figure."
Ameri noted that while Iran's tourism industry is experiencing a huge growth, the global tourism industry is facing a severe decline.
"According to the latest figures released by global entities, tourism in Europe has declined by 7 percent in the current year," he said, adding that Middle East tourism is also down by 5 percent.
Ameri said the US and Asia have recorded a respective decline of 4.9 and 4.8 percent this year.
IRCS to Cooperate
University students who have a good knowledge of English and Arabic will guide tourists during Norouz holidays (starting March 21).
Announcing this, Mojtaba Majd, the deputy head of Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), told Mehr News Agency that IRCS plans to cooperate with related organization and entities to facilitate the tourism programs of Norouz.
"About 15,000 youths will be stationed in different cities across the country to guide holidaymakers during Norouz," he said, adding that providing emergency medical services is among the programs devised by IRCS.
Majd said such a program, held last year across the country, was warmly welcomed by tourists.
"Individuals working in IRCS are among the most polite and well-behaved youths," he said, noting that they are well-educated as well.
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