TEHRAN--Iran's Tour Guides Night was held at the Shariati Museum House on Tuesday with the theme ‘Narrative of Iran's Tourism Through Time’ reviewing the memories and experiences of Abolghasem Sassan, a veteran tour guide.

According to ISNA, Sassan shared his memories and professional experiences during the event. 

He analyzed the developments in the tourism industry over the past 60 years, and Mohammad Reza Vahdati served as the secretary of the meeting.

At the beginning of his speech, Sassan referred to the early years of his activity in the 1960s and spoke about the gradual formation of the modern tourism industry in Iran. 

He emphasized that efforts were made to introduce Iranian culture, art, and history to the world during those years.

Referring to the holding of events such as the Shiraz Art Festival, he considered it an important period in introducing Iran's cultural capacities, but noted that tourism development requires professional infrastructure, specialized training, and coherent management; components that, according to this tourism guide, have not always been given sustainable attention.

Emphasizing that tourism is not just about visiting historical monuments, he added: “What remains in the tourist's mind is his human experience, from the way he is welcomed at the airport to the quality of accommodation, nutrition, transportation, and even everyday encounters.”

Referring to the capacities such as the Shazdeh Garden in Mahan, Kerman province, he said: “Iran has no shortage of natural and historical attractions. The main issue is managing the tourist experience and standardizing the services.”

Sassan listed the of some amenities in historical sites, management inconsistencies, and sectional decisions as serious challenges in the field.

In another part of his speech, the tour guide referred to the years when the number of foreign tourists entering Iran was growing, and recalling the days when hotels and accommodation centers in cities such as Shiraz and Isfahan were full of foreign travelers. He said: “The breakfast rooms of the hotels were full of European and American tourists, and the tour guides worked non-stop.” 

He mentioned accommodations such as the Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan as an example of centers that played an important role in hosting international tourists at times. 

The veteran tour guide also referred to his professional experiences abroad and spoke about his interactions with activists in this field in cities such as Sao Paulo (Brazil), Melbourne, Sydney (Australia), and Buenos Aires (Argentina), and stated: “A tour guide represents the culture of a nation and must have high communication skills, language proficiency, and cultural understanding in addition to historical knowledge.”

He emphasized that correct verbal communication, a smile, and respect can change a tourist’s mindset toward a country.

Sassan considered Iranian hospitality the country’s most important competitive advantage in the field of tourism, adding that no advertising campaign is more effective than a positive experience for a tourist.

He described the role of people in shaping the global image of Iran by sharing memories of tourists who entered Iran with negative assumptions but left the country with a different mindset.

In the final part of the meeting, Sassan addressed the young guides and said: “Do not despair. Iran has unparalleled potential, from history and culture to nature and climate diversity. Increase your knowledge, study, and strengthen your professional skills. The future of tourism is in your hands.”

Sassan also emphasized the need for empathy, professional cooperation, and improving professional standards among tour guides, adding that cohesion and continuous training can strengthen the position of the profession in the country.

KD