The economic potential and investment opportunities in tourism and agriculture sectors of the northeastern province of Khorasan Razavi were introduced to Spain’s Ambassador to Iran Eduardo Lopez Busquets in a meeting held at the province’s chamber of commerce on Saturday.
The European country’s chief diplomat in Iran started off the session by highlighting Spain’s topnotch position in agriculture and tourism, particularly agritourism and said the 45-year-old tourism industry of Spain is one of the key sectors of the economy.
“Over 10,000 Spanish tourists visit Iran annually, half of whom are travel enthusiasts of between 50 and 60 years old. The ancient ruins and historical sites of Iran never cease to amaze these people, despite the fact that they have seen almost every nook and cranny of the world. Most of them can speak English and would talk about their journey to Iran when they return home,” he said.
“Ski resorts, elegant restaurants, the beauties of its nature and above all, the holy shrine of Imam Reza (PBUH), the eighth Shia Imam, are significant features of Mashhad, the capital city of Khorasan Razavi Province, which should be promoted to attract more European tourists."
Over 10,000 Spanish tourists visit Iran annually, half of whom are travel enthusiasts of between 50 and 60 years old. The ancient ruins and historical sites of Iran never cease to amaze these people, despite the fact that they have seen almost every nook and cranny of the world
On how to attract more tourists from Spain, the ambassador said those who visit Mashhad usually consult Iranian travel agents based in Spain, therefore building links with travel agencies in Spain would be a positive approach toward having a more robust tourism industry.
Busquets noted that agritourism, any agriculture-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch, is of utmost importance in Spain and the country is constantly making advances in this economic sector.
Mohammad Qanei, chairman of Tourism Commission of Khorasan Razavi Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, said Mashhad hosts more than 30 million tourists annually and over 53% of Iran's hotels and tourist facilities are located in this city.
“Mashhad provides quality services for tourists, yet it is one of the cheapest tourist destinations in the world,” he added.
Yousef Bidkhori, caretaker of Khorasan Razavi Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Directorate, said the Iranian province has great potentials in rural and agricultural tourism, but most European tours traveling to Iran prefer to visit Isfahan, Yazd and Fars.
“We are all set to introduce the attractions of Khorasan Razavi in a trip exclusively for travel agents [FAM trip],” he said.
FAM trip is a free (or low cost) trip for travel agents or consultants provided by a travel operator or airline as a means of promoting their services.
Chairman of Agriculture, Water and Processing Industries Commission of Khorasan Razavi Chamber of Commerce, Ali Shariati-Moqaddam, was also present at the meeting.
Noting that there is no restriction or high tariffs on the export of packed and packaged saffron to Spain, Shariati-Moqaddam said Iranian companies need to benefit from the experience of Spain as a major export destination with a favorable business environment.
"Ten Iranian retailers of saffron have established firms in Spain. Some of them are working with Spanish partners," he said.
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