INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN–– Several tourism insiders and officials from Iran and Russia have discussed ways to boost travel between the two nations, IRNA
reported on Friday.Knowledge exchange, education, hotel management, holding joint exhibitions, and introducing tours and investments were
among the issues they discussed, the report said.In addition, the experts exchanged views on prospects of a possible visa waiver for tourist
groups, based on an agreement that former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin inked in 2017.Last
year, an Iranian travel expert said many Russian tourists were eager to travel to Iran, an Iranian travel expert said on Monday, recounting
“Many [potential] Russian travelers are motivated to visit novel and lesser-known destinations such as Iran that could be a safe and
attractive destination,” said Mostafa Sarvari, who presided over the tourism marketing and advertising office of the Iranian Tour
Operators Association.The Head of the Iranian Tour Operators Association Ebrahim Pourfaraj believes the majority of potential Russian
travelers are unaware of the vast tourist attractions that exist in every corner of Iran
“The fact is that Iran’s political and economic relations with Russia are considered as good, but this has nothing to do with attracting
tourists because it is directly connected with the Russian people
It is the Russian people who must choose Iran as their destination.”The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous
tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 26 are
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.AM
