TEHRAN-"According to data released by the World Tourism Organization, Iran ranked 32nd in the world in terms in tourism industry development during the last five years, said the Deputy of Iran Touring and Tourism Organization (ITTO) Nasrollah Falsafi.

The organization said there was a 20 percent increase growth in Iran's tourism industry last year.

Iran is the second country among South Asian countries in the rate of growth in its tourism industry, Falsafi said, adding that the number of foreign tourists visiting the Islamic Republic last year was estimated at 1 million, generating over $1.4 billion in income.

The number of domestic tourists was about 32 million, he added.