The Omid Entrepreneurship Fund, whose main purpose is to provide support for the creation of new jobs, is offering Qarz-al-Hasana (interest-free) loans for innovative and practical ideas in the tourism sector. The tourism industry has considerable capacity and potential for helping generate income as well as create jobs, but proper support and investment are required, CEO of the fund, Asghar Nourollahzdeh told ISNA. “Iran ranks 15th in the world in terms of tourist attractions but our infrastructure is nowhere near acceptable norms and global standards,” he said. Effective measures should be taken to make up for the shortcomings, he said, and expressed willingness to support businesses in the hospitality industry including restaurants, cafés and transportation. According to Nourollahzadeh, the OEF will also provide financial aid for projects in which banks and lending institutions do not have interest.
