ARDEBIL -- Director General of Iran's Travel and Tourism Organization's (ITTO) Tourist Service Department Ali Rahimpour said here on Saturday that Iran has no alternative but to develop its tourism industry to safeguard its cultural identity, IRNA reported. Addressing the first caricature festival held here, titled 'Tourism', Rahimpour added, "Iran will have nothing to offer, except tourism, once globalization materializes in 20 years."

He said that promotion of tourism industry is the most appropriate step toward all-out development.

He added that the proper use of cultural, historical and national resources as well as natural attractions are the top priority for ITTO.

The official said that unfortunately the facilities for attracting two million tourists per year have not yet materialized.

He added that the attraction of tourists requires development of the aviation fleet, providing for the security of tourists as well as cooperation among all organizations.

He said, "Development of tourism is a key issue. Today, Iran is not only visited by tourists for its ancient monuments, but also for other attractions, and everything should be done to make their stay in the country memorable."

Each tourist visiting Iran, he pointed out, contributes to creating four permanent and seven temporary jobs and that such opportunities should be used to the optimum.

According to the Director General of Ardebil Province Travel and Tourism Department, Assadollah Shams, the objective of the festival is to introduce the province's historical and natural attractions, promote tourism and establish links between artists from Ardebil and those from the neighboring provinces. He added, "Ardebil Province is rich in culture and ancient national identity, so it doesn't need to be presented."

The six-day caricature festival, which opened here on Saturday is made up of two sections of tourism and portrait.

At the end of the festival awards will be presented to 10 selected works from both sections.