Tourism Infrastructure, Development and News

[FreeToLove]

Italian tourists' Iran-phobia shatters
Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:20:08

Sightseeing in Iran has dramatically changed the wrong conception that the western media had generated in the mind of Italian tourists.

39 Italian tourists started their trip to Iran with fears and frets but after encountering the hospitality, intellectuality and openheartedness of Iranians, they started to think otherwise.

The retired tourists said that at the beginning they had many questions concerning human rights, women, and illiteracy, but soon they discovered that they were completely misguided about the situation in Iran.

Mahnaz Alinaghi, the tour leader of the group, said that conducting real successful tours are a better way to advertise Iran's potentials than publishing brochures or sending pictures of the country to foreign nations.

Having visited Isfahan, Shiraz, Natanz, Kashan and Tehran, the crew said that they were willing to act as envoys of Iran, demonstrating its greatness in Italy.

http://www.presstv.ir/Detail.aspx?id...onid=351020108

I love tourist when they say Iran isnt they thought it would be

[FreeToLove]

Gilan to host int'l tourism show
Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:32:35

Gilan province is located in north of Iran.
Gilan province has invited the Caspian Sea littoral states to attend an international tourism exhibit to display the provincial potential.

The 1st International Exhibition of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, Tourism and Related Industries relies on the rich culturo-historical background, unique landscape and architecture of the northern province to attract foreign and private financers and boost the area's tourism sector.

The head of Gilan Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department said that the 22-day event is an initiative to reinforce the role of the private sector and foreign investors in the construction of Gilan.

Darioush Kian-Mehr, the organizer of the event added that the exhibition which will kick off on November 23 aims to introduce the unique culture of the province to the world, and to bring Iran up-to-date on international achievements in the field of tourism.

http://www.presstv.ir/Detail.aspx?id...onid=351020108

[FreeToLove]

Iran-Kenya, non-stop flight to come
Sat, 06 Oct 2007 23:50:57

Tehran-Nairobi direct flight has been proposed
In a bid to boost tourism sector, Iran has proposed a regular flight service between Tehran and Nairobi, an Iranian tourism official says.

Managing-Director of Iran's Tourism Development Company, Mehdi Jahangiri, brought about the idea of launching a direct flight route between Iranian capital, Tehran, and, Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

In a meeting with Morris Dzoro, Kenyan Tourism and Wildlife Minister, Jahangiri proposed the establishment of a flight route between Iran and Kenya.

The Iranian official also expressed that the Iranian investors are ready to invest in Kenya, and called on Kenyan government to facilitate the presence of Iranian investors through proper regulations, that protect the right of investors in Kenya.

"In order to implement the joint investment projects such as hotel building, road construction and other tourism-related projects between Iran and Kenya, a framework agreement has been drawn up ", Jahangiri said

http://www.presstv.ir/Detail.aspx?id...onid=351020108

Great news!

[Persan]

Iran, Malaysia mulling tourism co-op

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Malaysia will soon set up a joint committee to promote tourism activities between the two countries.

Bumiputera Tour Operators Association Chairman Syed Razif Yahya said the body would comprise representatives from the respective embassies, tourism ministries, tour operators and airlines, Bernama reported on Monday.

He expressed hope that the committee would be able to outline and carry out tourism-related activities in a more systematic manner.

"We expect to see more tourist arrivals from Iran and vice-versa, as we will have interesting holiday packages to offer," he said.

According to Syed Razif, the Iranian government has approved the proposal to establish the committee, members of which are to be appointed within a month.

He said Malaysia expects to welcome 60,000 tourists from Iran every year as Iran Air is to fly to the country twice a week.

[ SOURCE: PRESS TV | Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:21:24 ]

[FreeToLove]

60,000 ppl from Malaysia! wow!

But Iran Air should fly to Malaysia more then twice a week.

[persian]

And how many tourists do we get from malaysia???!!!

[Persan]

Iran to launch tourism TV channel

Iran is to launch a tourism TV channel to provide an authentic source of information for all those interested in visiting the country.

The television channel is to introduce Iran's travel destinations and tourism attractions to the world in a bid to boost the country's tourism industry.

Mahdi Jahangiri, chief executive of Iran Tourism Development Company, announced that the tourism TV content would be delivered via satellite.

The television programs are to be produced in various languages to cover large audiences, Jahangiri added.

It aims to provide a reliable source of information for those interested in Iran's national traditions and tourism attractions, he noted.

The satellite TV is expected to go on air in March 2008.

[ SOURCE: PRESS TV | Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:30:15 ]

[Persan]

The 53 Places to Go in 2008
NEW YORK TIMES

#18. IRAN

What Axis of Evil? Upscale tour operators are tiptoeing into Iran next year, offering trips that explore the ancient country's Persian treasures and olive-green desert plains. Next spring, the luxury cruise liner Silversea will make stops in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on its Dubai to Dubai cruise. And California-based Distant Horizons (www.distant-horizons.com) is organizing two 18-day trips that start in Tehran and then weave through the once-forbidden countryside, including stops in Shiraz and Isfahan. Prices start at $5,390 per person.

[ FULL ARTICLE | December 9th, 2007 ]

[Persan]

Foreign Investment in Isfahan

CHN Foreign Desk- 19 December 2007- CHTO of Isfahan has recently announced the news of foreign investment in this city.

According to Mohsen Moslehi, deputy of Isfahan CHTO, a company from Emirate has been expressed its willingness to invest on hospitality and tourism infrastructures of Isfahan.

Based on their proposal, they are going to build a five star hotel and 18 hospitality establishments in this historical city.

In this regard, initial negotiations have been occurred between Iran CHTO and this company and the municipality of Isfahan has agreed to allocate the location for these projects.

At the moment of speaking, this project is in stage of location selection and evaluation.

From the other side, a Turkish company, named Apa Star has also submitted proposal for constructing 5-star hotel in Isfahan.

Considering the decision of government for supporting private section to invest on hospitality and tourism infrastructures, it has also been decided to build 4 camping facilities near entrance roads of Isfahan to accommodate tourists and visitors.

[ SOURCE: CHN NEWS | 19.12.2007 ]

[Persan]

Bahrain to build hotels in Iran

Bahrain's cultural heritage organization plans to build hotels in several Iranian centers of pilgrimage, such as Mashhad and Qom.

Ibrahim Kazem, the organization's representative, says a 133-million-dollar budget has been slated for the venture.

The investment is part of Bahrain and Tehran's joint efforts to improve relations between the two nations in both finance and trade.

Investors are currently analyzing the amenities Iran is to provide for the project, pushing for tariff reduction on building materials being brought into the country.

[ SOURCE: PRESS TV | 01.03.2008 ]

[Persan]

Tourism industry gives priority to standardization

Education and standardization of hotels and other sectors related to tourism industry, which aim at creating suitable conditions for foreign tourists, is among priorities of companies which attract tourists to Tehran.

Deputy Head of Tehran Tourism Company for Productivity and Standards Mohammad Mesbah added that the process of globalization and the emphasis put on attracting foreign tourists has obliged related officials to provide tourists with facilities conforming to international standards.

Mesbah further noted that tourism standards have been defined all through the world and are also observed in Iran, SAMA said.

He emphasized that hotels and other tourism facilities should conform to world standards and this issue is currently a major concern for tourism companies.

The official further noted that the most important priorities for tourism companies are achieving optimal standards and updating hotel equipment and manpower to provide good reception for the guests.

Standardization of tourism services is overseen by Tourism Department of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.

[ SOURCE: IRNA | 01.03.2008 ]

_______________________

A step in the right direction...

[shugs]

Bahrain to Build Hotels in Iran

Bahrain's Cultural Heritage Organization is going to build hotels in several Iranian pilgrimage cities, such as Mashhad and Qom cities.

CHTN- ''133-million-dollar budget has been allocated for the construction of the hotels,'' Ibrahim Kazem, head of Bahrain Cultural Heritage Organization said.

The investment is part of Bahrain and Tehran's joint efforts to expand relations between the two nations in both finance and trade fields.

Investors demanded government to provide them with some facilities like reduction of tariff for bringing construction materials into the country for performing the projects.

After launching these hotels more Bahraini pilgrims will travel to Iran.

http://eng.chtn.ir/newsShow.aspx?ID=2755

[shugs]

Tourism Route among Ancient Sites

Executive operation for launching tourism route among toos, Mashhad, Hegmataneh, Siraf Port will start in the near future.

CHTN-'' This route has been defined as pilgrim, historical and national route,'' executive advisor to first deputy of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Behroz Nadersi Nasab said.

The route from Toos to Mashhad is defined as pilgrimage-cultural route and the other road from Hegmataneh to Hamedan and Pasargad as historical route, he added.

This route terminate to Siraf Port which is the first Iranian port and symbol of Iran in Persian Gulf, he stressed.

Lots of historical and tourism attractions located in the route, he noted.

http://eng.chtn.ir/newsShow.aspx?ID=2759

[Rahmani]

Does anyone have a list of hotels beeing built in Iran and when they are finished?

[Persan]

Iran to hold int'l hotel and tourism fair

Iran will hold its first Hotel, Travel and Tourism Exhibition to promote tourism by displaying the latest in related technologies.

The first electronic banking system, designed specifically for the country's tourism industry, along with an online reservation system will be introduced in Iran's First International Hotel, Travel and Tourism Exhibition.

The event will play host to over 150 national and international tourist companies from various countries, including the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Malaysia, India, Cyprus, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Bangladesh.

The international exhibit is scheduled to be held from January 10 to 13, 2008 in Tehran's International Exhibitions Center.

[ SOURCE: PRESS TV | 01.08.2008 ]

[Persan]

Third Exhibition of Hospitality and Relevant Technologies of Kish

CHN Foreign Desk- 8 January 2008- Kish Island is going to host the gathering of Hospitality, Hotel, and Tourism industry from 12 to 15th of February, 2008.

The third exhibition of Hotel, Hospitality, Tourism, Furnishing, Interior Design, and Decoration is a combination of three international exhibitions used to be held in separation previously.

During the days of this exhibition, Iranian and non-Iranian companies are going to expose their latest achievements and technologies in fields of Hotel, Hospitality, and Tourism Industry in conjunction with Architecture, and Interior Design.

Organization of the free trade zone of Kish, CHTO of I.R. Iran, Trade Development Centre of Kish, Hotel Association of Iran, and the Urban Design Organization of Tehran Municipality are among the supporters and sponsors of this exhibition.

The mentioned exhibition is believed to be competent of introducing various divisions of these industries together, with the aim of enhancing the overall functionality and effectiveness of Hospitality, and Tourism Industry.

It would also be a great marketing opportunity for different companies functioning in the domain of Hospitality and Tourism Division, and a chance of gathering suppliers and users in one spot.

[ SOURCE: CHN NEWS | 01.08.2008 ]

[Persan]

I was reading an article about Rezidor Hotels and found the following bit very interesting. They don't mention the name of the hotel, but the hotel they're talking about is the Dariush Hotel in Kish Island:

Three years ago, Rezidor said it was on its way to becoming the first international operator to enter the Iranian market (Kish Island) in 25 years. What happened to your Iran plans?

We had to pull out on that one. But we still keep an eye on Iran and we would like to go. Business is good there, money is there.


Why did you pull out?

It didn’t work with the owners. There was a hotel already built by the developer and then he never really finished it. It’s a pity because it could have been a very nice hotel. He spent the money everywhere but not on the things that the guest do not see. He never complied so we pulled out.

[ FULL ARTICLE ]

If there's money in Iran, why don't they go back? But isn't funny how Dariush Hotel is now considered to be worse than when it first opened?

[shugs]

Obviously they heavily disagreed with Sabet on how the hotel should be run... Hence they pulled out and the hotel was left to the mercy of some incompetent Rashti's (so I heard)

[Rahmani]

What other hotesl does the owner of Dariush Hotel have?

I have read that he has hotels in the Canary Islands, but which ones?

[Persan]

Iran industry launches new website

Tourism Industry Association of Iran has launched its new and enhanced website to promote Iran as a top travel destination for 2008.

New site features, offer more resources for travelers to uncover trip activities and experiences around Iran. With the new site features, Explore, Plan and Book, Irpedia can be considered a one-stop travel source for those looking to travel Iran.

Boasting three millennia of recorded history, Iran enjoys a great legacy of ruins and hallowed stonework. The Iranian style of architecture is distinctive and creative. Persepolis and the rare impressive edifices of Isfahan as well as the Air Traps of the central desert region are the hallmarks of the Iranian unique architecture. Few cities in the world can boast, as Esfahan can, a square like the Naghsh-e Jahan, built in the early 17th century by Shah Abbas and whose fountains and gardens lead to the stunning blue tile-work and classical proportions of the Imam and Sheikh Lotfallah mosques, outstanding examples of Islamic architecture. Iran also offers a 1,500 kilometer coastline, mountains rising to 5,000 meters and a variety of climates - from the lush humidity of the Caspian Sea to the austere central desert.

Iran enjoys enormous potentials for attracting tourists which, due to weak advertising, poor marketing and lack of authentic and reliable information available about the country, has remained unknown for most foreigners and number of visitors for the country of 72 million people is low.

Proper introduction of Iran tourism attractions through the Internet is one of the main approaches that Iran needs to take for attracting tourists.

For people interested in seeing the sights and wonders of Iran, planning such a trip can be both fun and challenging at the same time. Planning any trip to Iran involves many hurdles to overcome, especially for those who’ve never done it before. So many aspects are involved such as figuring out how to negotiate the language barrier, laws, political issues, regulations and fitting in upon arrival. Now there’s an antidote to the problem.

http://www.irpedia.com, an eye-catching and content-rich website gives travelers the ability to quickly and easily plan their trip. Almost all issues regarding travel to Iran are addressed on this website. For example, visitors to http://www.irpedia.com will be pleased to find detailed, informative articles that offer a glimpse into what the major Iran cities are alike, as well as some of the more popular travel destinations in Iran. Some of the most popular features are Customer Reviews posted by real travelers, Travel blogs, Travel Forums, Tourist Map of Iran, Suggested Itineraries and a wide selection of Iran tours and activities that come in all shapes and sizes to meet a variety of interests.

But more than that, visitors will be able to glean travel tips from fascinating articles such as, “Iran, before you go”, “Iran, when you arrive”, “where to buy/what to buy”, “what to wear in Iran”, “Isfahan, half the world”, “Siosepol, a wonderful architectural masterwork”, “Tehran, mega capital of Iran”, “Abyane, a combination of art and traditions”, plus much more. Useful, detailed content like this along with head-turning photos are what make the Irpedia website a feather in the cap of those planning their trip to Iran, as a top travel destination for 2008.

[ SOURCE: INTERNET TRAVEL NEWS | 02.04.2008 ]