Iran spent $12 million last year to develop its tourism infrastructure and the same amount is expected to be spent this year, according to development deputy at Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Khorramabad, Lorestan, Samiollah Hosseini Makarem said the budget was supplied by the National Development Fund, Mehr News Agency reported. Makarem recalled the importance of handicrafts to the economy and said Iran ranks third globally in terms of handicraft production. The official lamented obstacles preventing Iran from exporting its famous handicrafts and said measures must be taken to ensure international tourists visiting Iran are exposed to Iranian handicraft to help boost revenue.
