Iran looking to develop tourism

A spokesperson for the Iranian government has said that the country intends to attract a greater number of tourists.

Speaking at a press conference, Gholam-Hossein Elham said that a more negative impression of Iran held by some outside its borders is not having an effect on tourists, reports the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

He also said that Iran's government has helped prepare the ground for more political, cultural and economic visitors to enter the country.

The spokesperson added that its overseas representatives should "convey the right message from the Iranian nation to foreigners".

According to the Iran Tourism and Touring Organization, Iran offers a range of destinations for those who are interested in bazaars, holy shrines, palaces or places of cultural interest.

These include the Bahman Cultural Centre in Tehran, which includes exhibits on Charlie Chaplin and a centre for children's drawings.

In related news, the IRNA also reports that the deputy director of the World Tourism Organization, Taleb Rifaei, stated yesterday that Iran is in the top ten countries in the world for the tourist sites it offers.

However, he also states that other measures, such as more direct flights to Iran and improving accommodation could help to further develop tourism in the country.

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