Middle East
Country with a vision I
Despite preconceptions, Iran quickly wins over visitors – among them Ben Lerwill, who gives seven reasons why the country should be on your radar
ran is nothing if not ambitious. The nation’s 2025 Tourism Vision Plan is aiming to boost its share of annual international visitors to 20 million by the middle of the next decade. The latest figure – for the 12 months ending March 2018 – stood at 5.1 million. There is, therefore, some way to go. Recent times have been tough for this richly rewarding but frequently misunderstood country. It has suffered its worst drought in half a century and its appeal has been further affected by the uneasy relationship between the domestic government and the Trump administration. But with a trove of awe-inspiring cultural attractions – and a population that truly understands the meaning of hospitality – it’s a destination that deserves to be taken on its merits, some of which are outlined here.
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Unesco spectacles This year, Unesco added a site in Iran to the World Heritage List. The Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars Region showcases the fortified architecture of an empire that ruled between the 3rd and 7th centuries. It increases the number of Unesco World Heritage listings in the country to 23.
2
Competitive prices The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 ranked Iran in first place worldwide for its price competitiveness. So not only does the country have the potential to offer an extraordinary travel experience; it also offers value for money.
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Hotel boom There are very few big-brand hotels in Iran – the Ibis and Novotel properties at Tehran airport are currently the only major international chain presence – but the country has some notable accommodation options. CNN Travel
06.11.2018
4 5
Iran’s capital city, Tehran 6 Shrine of Imamzadeh Hilal Ibn Ali, Kashan
Consular advice
The UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Offi ce advises against travel to both the Iraq and Afghanistan border areas. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade does the same, also advising an overall “high degree of caution” in the country.
The US Department of State advises “do not travel to Iran due to the risk of arbitrary arrest and detention of US citizens”.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan 7 Air access
Iran Air recommenced flights to Azerbaijan in January, while local carrier Kish Airlines resumed flights to Muscat in February. The website Iran Tourism News, meanwhile, has reported that flights between Turkey and Iran are to increase from 70 to 100 weekly. On a less positive note, British Airways, KLM and Air France ceased flights to Tehran in September – all have cited commercial reasons. Air Asia halted its Kuala Lumpur-Tehran service in April, blaming the USA’s re-imposition of sanctions on Iran.
■ The Islamic Republic of Iran is exhibiting on stand ME445
Rail rides
Since 2014, rail operator Golden Eagle Luxury Trains has put Iran into its roster. It has three Iran tours, including the 14-day Heart of Persia, taking in the country’s key cultural sites.
Activities for all
Some consular advice can be offputting, but visitors usually report very positive experiences – partly due to the warm welcome extended by locals and partly to the range of activities on offer. Cyrus Sahra and Pasargad Tours are among those who offer the likes of skiing, desert camping, trekking, birdwatching and stargazing.
Religious interest
Iran is known for its adherence to Islam, in which case female visitors must wear headscarves and loose-fitting clothing. Around 90% of the country’s population are Shia Muslims and many of its international visitors are Shia pilgrims from neighbouring countries. The cities of Qom and Mashhad both have hugely important Shia sites.
called the Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan “the Middle East’s most beautiful hotel”, while global operators such as Cox & Kings make use of properties including Tehran’s Espinas Persian Gulf Hotel. In Mashhad, the Imam Reza Rayhaan is a five-star Rotana property set to open in 2019.
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