| According to UNESCO,Iran is among the worlds top 10 historic and cultural attractions. However,Irans share from the international tourism market does not bear any proportion to this prestigous ranking. As a matter of fact, tourism in Iran is in the early stages of its development.It is no more than six or seven years that the country has embarked on a comprehensive plan to boost its tourism industry. Before then, Iran was involved in a full scale war which practically rendered any attempet to attract tourists futile. But after the cessation of hostilities . Iran entered a period of reconstruction in all aspects , and gradually tourism came into the spotlight.
We have been witnessing an exponential growth in the number of tourists who visit Iran in the past few years , a trend which took a dramatic turn after the Iranian president's initiative of "dialogue between civilisations " portrayed a new image of Iran in the eyes of the world . More and more people now want to travel to Iran , the old , mysterious Persia , and have a first - hand experience of what it looks and tastes , For all these visitors , Iran has much to offer.
A geographical diversity almost unrivalled in the world for a country the size of Iran means that a typical tourist can go skiing in one of the world's best slopes with an Alpine atmpsphere just north of the capital , then take two - hour flight to the pearly southern coast and water, ski in the semi - tropical waters. throughout Iran is just fascinating : from 4000 year old ziggurats to masterpieces from the Islamic era, from huge , elegant and intricate mosques to breath - taking ruins of the Achamenid palace of Persepolis , from small but nevertheless unique tombs and caravavserais in the remotest corners of the country to labyrinthine bazzars that evoke the spirits of bygone centuries , and an incredible variety of handicrafts and souvenirs - including the world - famous Persian carpet. But it is only when you mix with the local population that you begin to grasp the true Iranian spirit . A sense of hospitality that is , according to a European author , almost overwhelming , makes you feel at home wherever in this huge country you happen to be. |