Iran's tourism will not remain unaffected by the recent US decision to pull out of the nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions, but the extent of the impact will highly depend on Iran's response to the move as well as the attitude of other parties to the agreement.
Based on published statistics, the 2015 agreement with the world powers, referred to as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, over Iran's nuclear program and the ensuing sanctions relief resulted in a growth of the country's tourism. During the first half of the following Iranian year (March-September 2016), the number of European tourists rose by 40% compared to the same period of the previous year, Fanous news portal reported.
Although rather small in terms of numbers, the growth was promising and was raising hopes about a significant contribution of the tourism industry to the country's economy.
The US withdrawal from the accord has raised concerns about a halt of or slowdown in the trend, although it is not the first US-inflicted blow to the industry.
Restrictions for nationals of 38 countries under the US Visa Waiver Program in case of travel to Iran had already discouraged tourists to choose the country as their destination.
How It Works
The US move is expected to weigh on the tourism industry in regard to infrastructure development and attracting foreign tourists. Once the sanctions return, investment in the sector as well as financial relations will face restrictions. The fate of aircraft purchase deals, for instance, will be in a state of limbo, hindering a much-needed revamp of the country's aging air fleet. Both tourists and tour operators will have trouble with cash or credit transactions due to banking obstacles.
Moreover, the media propaganda is likely to create another wave of anti-Iranian sentiment causing potential tourists to reconsider their travel plans.
How to Undo
Nevertheless, experts believe that there are ways to minimize the extent of damage to tourists resulting from new US policies. Mohammad Moheb-Khodaei, tourism deputy at Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, had said earlier without clarification that the resumption of sanctions cannot negatively affect the tourism infrastructure.
"Besides, through strategies such as a change of tack toward target markets and certain special methods, we can encourage foreigners to travel to Iran," he had said, adding that the details of ICHHTO's alternative plans to improve the infrastructure will be publicized in the future.
Ali Ashraf Vaqefipour, a tour operator, believes that Iran's approach will shape foreigners' feelings about the country, because according to him, many of the ordinary people and key figures around the world are opposed to the US government's decision.
"Our responses should be only directed at governments and should not suggest hostility toward foreign nations," he said.
Hadi Shirazi, secretary of the Iranian Tour Operators Association, said Iran should redouble its promotion efforts to counter the unfriendly policies.
"Iran does not have many advertising platforms in the western world and existing tourists act as messengers," he said. He suggested that by inviting members of the tourism community to the country, Iran can send a message of friendship to the world.
Mohammad Ebrahim Alavi, head of the tourism commission at Iran's Chamber of Commerce, said offering "more low-interest or even interest-free loans is required to encourage investment in the sector [in the wake of sanctions]."
Not Too Bleak
Ali Sheibani, a tour guide, does not see prospects as too bleak, since American travelers do not account for a significant part of the country's growing inbound tourist population which is dominated by visitors from Asia and Europe.
"Over half of Iran's incoming tourists head for Imam Reza's (PBUH) Shrine (the 8th Shia Imam) and will not change their mind upon the US policy," he said, the Persian daily Donyay-e Eqtesad reported.
The European Union has so far stood against the US decision which will hopefully reduce the damage of sanctions on Iran's tourism in particular and economy in general.
