Iran on Cox & Kings "Hot List" for 2017

India-based tour operator Cox & Kings, known for its annual predictions about travel trends for centuries, has announced its forecast for next year, with Iran one of the top five "on trend" destinations named for 2017.

Cox & Kings reintroduced Iran to its Middle East collection in October 2015 for the first time since 2011, TTG Media reported.

The operator said demand from clients to travel back to Iran has been “remarkable but not surprising”.

The operator explained that it used to be one of the most popular tours offered by Cox & Kings.

British Airways relaunched its direct flights in September so the country is even more accessible.

Jordan, Russia, Chile and India also make the list.

Founded in 1758, Cox & Kings is the world's longest established travel company, specializing in luxury holidays, high quality escorted group tours and tailormade travel.

Although headquartered in Mumbai, the travel group has subsidiaries in the US, Canada, the UK, Netherlands, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.