INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
international travelers, the majority of whom were from the neighboring countries, arrived in the country during the past [Iranian] year
foreign arrivals in 1399 decreased by more than 94% in comparison to the year 1398, the official noted.Elsewhere in his remarks, the deputy
minister said only 74 foreign travelers arrived in the country during the spring of 1399
of Iranian citizens traveling during the Persian new year holiday (Noruz), the increase in incoming tourists following the re-issuance of
visas, and the facilitation of the required conditions for tourists in post-coronavirus time, the official explained.Last year, the Ministry
of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts announced that tourism in the country was growing before the corona outbreak, its revenues
reached $11.7 billion in 2019, which accounted for 2.8% of GDP, nearing the average share of tourism in the world GDP, which was 3.2
percent.Iran was ranked as the second fastest-growing country in tourism based on data compiled by the World Tourism Organization.Experts
expect Iran to achieve a tourism boom after the coronavirus is contained, believing its impact would be temporary and short-lived for a
country that ranked the third fastest-growing tourism destination in 2019.Iran seeks 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
Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, Iran aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025.AFM
