Travelers to Khuzestan Province will enjoy special discounts between September 24 and 27, according to Mohammad Ali Khalili, director for tourism at the provincial Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department. All tourism services, including hotel fees (20%) and tours organized by travel agencies (15%), will receive discounts during this period, to mark the World Tourism Day (Sept. 27), the Persian daily Donya-e-Eqtesad reported. The oil-rich Khuzestan Province has failed to capitalize on its historical attractions, which include three world heritage sites, to draw tourists. Khuzestan’s ongoing struggle with dust storms has done little to sway travelers to the southwestern province. Travel agencies across Iran have been criticized by local tour operators who accuse them of turning a blind eye toward Khuzestan’s tourism problem and spending resources to advertise overseas destinations.
