In the past two years, Iran’s tourism has seen a growth thrice as much as that of global rate, head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Masoud Soltanifar, said during his trip to Garmsar in Semnan Province. In this period, average growth of tourism across the world was 4.6% and Asia had 5% growth in tourism; while the figure was 12% in Iran, Soltanifar told IRNA. Various historical monuments and diverse cultures and handicrafts across the country are indications of a high tourism capacity. Tourism is a driving force for provincial development, Soltanifar said. He attended the inaugural ceremony for the 2nd National Meeting of Iranian Tribes and Nomads, a permanent handicrafts bazaar and a riding club in Garmsar. Semnan enjoys different climates at the same time and has a rich, old history. “Due to attractions such as deserts and starry nights, Semnan should become a major tourist destination,” Soltanifar said.
