French visitors to Iran are expected to double, ISNA reported, quoting the deputy to the French cultural attache in Iran.
According to the diplomat, French people enjoy traveling to exotic places, and Iran is considered one. "It's not about the low cost of traveling and staying in Iran; it's about the attractions." Iran received around 150,000 French tourists last year, and the figure is expected to rise to 300,000 by 2016.
"Iran has the potential to organize popular music, theater, food, and tourism festivals, all of which can help promote the country's tourism," he said, speaking at a seminar on tourism in Khorasan Razavi Province.
Calling tourism France's largest industry, the diplomat said France provides specialized training courses for all areas of the hospitality industry, including hotel management and culinary arts at reputable institutions.
By bolstering the tourism workforce with skilled individuals, Iran can help develop its tourism industry and prepare for the expected tourist influx, he added.
