Tourism industry awaits brighter days thanks to the recent approval of a bill which envisages the conversion of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization into a ministry, president of the Iranian Hoteliers' Society said.
Optimistically welcoming the new transition, Jamshid Hamzehzadeh said it might not do a miracle, but "it would at least create real and efficient developments in the industry," ISNA reported.
Pointing to the current poor relationship between ICHHTO and the private sector, whose outcome was nothing but stagnation of the tourism industry, Hamzehzadeh as a representative of the sector hoped the changes will help bridge the gaps in the industry.
"Professionalism, as a fundamental but ignored factor in appointing ICHHTO chiefs, is expected to step into the spotlight once again."
The current conversion will have the parliament oversee the ministry's operation and decision-making; and in case of any deficiencies, the minister should be answerable. "This will end the complex procedures of calling attention to the shortcomings of the organization or its affiliated institutes," Hamzehzadeh added.
Fatemeh Zolqadr, a lawmaker and deputy chairman of the Majlis Cultural Commission, also embraced the shift and hoped the conversion will open new paths to oil the wheels of tourism, both at domestic and foreign levels, ICANA reported.
"The establishment of a ministry will not impose extra costs on the government, as the government is down the path to consolidation. Once the tourism and heritage authorities start working in an integrated group as a ministry, the required infrastructures will be gradually provided and the current shortcomings will start to be ironed out," she said.
On a supportive note, Morteza Shokouhi, head of legal and parliamentary affairs at ICHHTO, highlighted the policy of downsizing the government and noted that according to the regulations, the would-be ministry is only allowed to operate with five departments.
The bill is yet to be reviewed by the Guardians Council, a top-level vetting body. If final approval is obtained, the government will have three months to appoint a minister, Shokouhi added.
About the Bill
On Wednesday, the bill was approved by a majority of votes during an open session of the Parliament after going through extensive debate. The controversial law was passed by 137 votes in favor and 41 against, with one abstention.
Under the plan, the ICHHTO will turn into a ministry with all its current duties.
Any possible costs arising from the change will be covered by savings in government expenses since the law clearly bans any extra expenditure by the government.
The legislation stipulates that all the property and human resources of the organization should be handed over to the new ministry.
The duties of the new entity will be like that of the former ICHHTO until the government submits proposed modifications to the Majlis for approval within a maximum time frame of one year, a provision reads.
The law bans any increase in the workforce, facilities and expenses of the ministry while the Sixth Development Plan (2016-21) is in effect.
Parliament had earlier voted against the bill in early May. The outlines of the plan failed to pass the legislature at the time.
The idea of conversion has met differing responses since it was first broached.
Lawmakers stress that it will give them greater oversight over the ministry's performance as well as the authority to select the organization's governing board.
Critics, on the other hand, say any such decision will temporarily halt the implementation of tourism plans, setting back progress for a very long time.
