Iran's tourism authority has implored netizens to show care when using online services, particularly those offering vacation rentals, due to the increasing number of unauthorized service providers. "Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization is the only official tourism authority in the country and relevant services must be approved and monitored by this entity," the organization said in a statement on its website. ICHHTO has also posted the addresses of websites offering unauthorized tourism services along with its statement.
Cyberspace is rife with individuals or groups that offer substandard services to unsuspecting consumers. In order to combat fraudulent activities, ICHHTO announced last year that it had drawn up guidelines that require all entities offering travel and tourism services online to apply for and acquire a permit. In cooperation with the Ministry of Industries, Mining and Trade, the organization has set up an online portal for service providers to apply for and obtain a license to operate. Applicants must visit Tnamad.ichto.ir and upload the required documents, which will be reviewed by provincial chapters of ICHHTO. Once approved, the applicant’s case will be submitted to the Monitoring and Evaluation of Tourism Services Office at ICHHTO for final approval. Approved businesses will be able to use an “e-trust” icon issued by the Iranian E-Commerce Development Company on their website.
"Unfortunately many do not heed our warnings and launch their services without obtaining permits," the statement says. "This creates problems for users and legitimate businesses, and promotes fraud."
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