Tourism holds considerable potential to build a better, more equal future, UNWTO chief says

TEHRAN – Tourism holds considerable potential to build a better, more equal future in the global scene as no single economic, social or human activity prospers in isolation, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has said.

UNWTO sees global tourism to grow 3% per annum until 2030

TEHRAN – The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expects that global tourism will continue to grow at an average of 3 percent annually until 2030.

Iran’s 5-month foreign tourist arrivals surge 30 percent

TEHRAN - The number of foreign visitors arriving in Iran surged 30 percent during the first five months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 21 – August 22), compared with the same period last year, deputy tourism minister has said.

UNWTO picks new affiliate members from Iran

TEHRAN – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recently elected five affiliate members from Iran.

World Tourism Day to focus on job generation, better future

TEHRAN - World Tourism Day is annually commemorated on September 27 with worldwide celebrations under the auspices of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). 

Plan underway to improve accessibility for disabled travelers, locals

TEHRAN – Iran’s Welfare Organization is encouraging initiatives to make disabled tourists more comfortable on vacations and to improve the quality of life for disabled locals.

Six places to visit in Hamedan

TEHRAN – The west central Iranian city of Hamedan, never falls short of offering cultural heritage sites to its visitors. Scenic natural landscapes, traditional restaurants, public gardens and colorful outdoor markets and more importantly, its hospitable people make for an unexpected slice of the city.

Tehran street designated as accessible tourism destination for all 

TEHRAN – Si-e Tir, a historical stone-paved one-way street in downtown Tehran, has been designated as an accessible tourism destination for all people, deputy tourism chief has said.

Middle East leads global tourism arrivals growth in Q1

TEHRAN – The Middle East tops international arrivals over the first quarter of 2019, with an eight percent growth year on year, according to the latest issue of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer from the World Tourism Organization.

CHHTO, UNWTO ink agreement to foster cooperation

TEHRAN – Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations World Tourism Organization to develop ties for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

Iran, UNWTO call for increased cooperation

TEHRAN – United Nations World Tourism Organization Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Iran’s Ambassador to Spain Hassan Qashqavi have called for increased cooperation on tourism.

Hamedan to host travel, handicrafts startups

TEHRAN – Hamedan will play host to an expo of travel and handicrafts startups in November concurrent with the 40th World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Plenary Session of the Affiliate Members.

Tehran to bring digital marketing into focus on World Tourism Day

TEHRAN – Tehran province’s tourism department is set to put digital marketing on the spotlight during the World Tourism Day (WTD), which is annually marked on September 27.

Hamedan to host UNWTO session in November

TEHRAN – The Iranian city of Hamedan will play host to the 40th World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Plenary Session of the Affiliate Members from November 12 to 14.

Iranian museums, historical sites to offer free entry on Sept. 27

TEHRAN – Entry will be free to all historical sites and museums affiliated with Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization on September 27 to mark the World Tourism Day.

Iran to host 23rd UNWTO General Assembly

TEHRAN – The Iranian city of Hamedan will play host to the 23rd general assembly meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 2018, IRNA reported.

Over 4.9m foreign travelers visited Iran in 2016: UNWTO

TEHRAN –The number of international tourist arrivals to Iran stood at 4.9 million in 2016, falling 5.6 percent from a year earlier and showing the first decline since 2013, according to the latest UNWTO Tourism Highlights report released on August 15.

Iran seeks to broaden travel ties with East Asia

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism chief has said the country aims to deepen tourism ties with East Asian states.

Iran lures more travelers from Spain

TEHRAN – The visit of Spaniards to Iran has raised by more than double over the past four years, an official with the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts organization says.

UNWTO nominates Zurab Pololikashvili as next director

TEHRAN – Zurab Pololikashvili, the ambassador of Georgia in Spain, has been nominated to direct the United Nations World Tourism Organization for a four-year period starting in January 2018.

Spain willing to invest in Iran’s tourism infrastructure

TEHRAN – Spain is willing to invest in tourism and hospitality infrastructures across Iran, IRNA quoted Matilde Pastora Asian Gonzalez, Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, as saying on Friday.

Iran broadly promotes tourism at ITB Berlin

TEHRAN – Over 30 Iranian tourism-associated businesses including transport operators and hotel managers are showcasing full charms of the country at the 51st ITB Berlin -- Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin, which wraps up today.

UN tourism chief criticizes U.S. travel ban, hails Iran’s welcome

TEHRAN – The head of the UN World Tourism Organization on Tuesday expressed disapproval of the freshly revised U.S. travel ban as an approach that still limits tourism, yet hailed Iran’s positive stance on welcoming inbound passengers.

Tourism chief to attend ITB Berlin, visit German officials

TEHRAN – Zahra Ahmadipour, the director of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, left Tehran for Germany on Monday to attend the opening ceremony of the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin), which runs from March 8 to 12.

UNWTO deeply concerned about U.S. travel ban

TEHRAN – The United Nations World Tourism Organization has expressed its deep concern over U.S. barring doors to refugees and visitors from seven mainly Muslim nations.

By Afshin Majlesi

Global hotel industry seeks to boost foothold in Iran, reaping gain from tourist influx

With Iran steadily becoming a hot tourist destination, several international hotel companies are looking to establish footholds in the country, as the government has pledged support for the flourishing sector to cope with the tourist influx.

UNWTO tabs 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

TEHRAN – The United Nations World Tourism Organization has named 2017 as “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.