TEHRAN – The number of sailings in Iran grew by nine percent during the Persian New Year (Noruz) holidays (March 16-April 4) in comparison to the same period last year, said deputy director of the Ports and Maritime Organization.

“Some six million and 200 thousands sea travels were made from March 16 to April 4 [a high season for the New Year travels], which shows a nine percent hike year on year,” IRNA quoted Hadi Haqshenas as saying on Wednesday.

“A [countrywide] flooding [disaster] that happened [by the beginning of] this year, caused an average decline of five percent in some ports but led to an overall increase of sea travels in the country. And ports in Hormozgan province contributed to some 75 percent of all sea travels during the period.”

The official added that there were 45 offshore terminals operating in northern and southern coasts of the country.

“A total of 590,000 vehicles were transported from the mainland to Kish and Qeshm islands in the Persian Gulf, which demonstrates a sign of safety institutionalization in sea trips,” he explained.

According to data compiled by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Iranians made 74 million overnight stays in their domestic trips during (Noruz) holidays, showing an increase of 20 percent year on year.

AFM/MQ/MG