The head of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization has once again spoken about the plan to issue electronic visas for foreign tourists and expressed hope that this plan will be implemented by the end of the current calendar year. Masoud Soltani-Far stated that the Iranian government's goal is to attract "20 to 30 billion dollars annually" from tourists, and one of the proposed plans is the issuance of electronic visas (e-visa). This government official mentioned on March 2 at a conference on Kish Island that President Hassan Rouhani's government considers tourism as a "driving sector and priority in economic programs." Soltani-Far added that in the past two years, the number of tourists entering Iran has seen a "12 percent growth." According to him, the government has taken steps towards matters such as "suitable accommodation, development of air, land, and rail transport, and visa issuance facilities." The Iranian government has recently announced that it will issue 30-day visas upon arrival at Iranian airports for citizens of all countries except for 9 countries. This visa can be extended for another 15 days. Iran has also placed orders for dozens of new airplanes from companies like Airbus. The issuance of electronic visas in the country of origin is another plan that the Iranian government has mentioned; thus, foreign tourists can apply for visas virtually without having to visit Iranian embassies. Currently, similar plans are being implemented in some major tourist destinations around the world, such as India or Australia. Since the coming to power of Hassan Rouhani's government, Western media have pointed out various cultural and historical sites in Iran as potential targets for a significant increase in tourism; however, other issues such as problems related to bank cards, security warnings from home countries, the detention of journalists and foreign citizens, the prohibition of alcoholic beverages, or dress regulations, especially during the hot months, are also mentioned. For instance, Rick Steves, a well-known travel writer and producer, has spoken about some similar issues on his website. He also states that while Iran's doors are opening to foreign travelers, the people of this country are likely the "greatest attraction" of its tourism.
Soltani-Far: Electronic Visa Issuance for Tourists by the End of 2016
Masoud Soltani-Far announced plans for electronic visa issuance for tourists, aiming to attract $20-30 billion annually. The Iranian government is taking steps to enhance tourism, despite existing challenges. This initiative is significant for boosting Iran's economy and improving international perceptions.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Masoud Soltani-Far announced plans for the issuance of electronic visas for foreign tourists, aiming to attract significant revenue to Iran's economy. The government is enhancing tourism infrastructure and has seen a growth in tourist numbers over the past two years.
- Iran aims to attract $20-30 billion annually from tourism.
- The government has announced a 12 percent growth in tourist arrivals over the past two years.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has a rich cultural heritage and numerous historical sites, making it a potential hotspot for tourism. However, challenges such as security concerns and strict regulations have historically limited foreign visitor numbers.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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