Iran Tourism Promotion at 2018 World Cup Russia

Plans are being made to promote Iran's tourism attractions during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which will be finalized before the end of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2018).

According to Leyla Ajdari, the interim director of Marketing and Promotion Office at Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, the Management and Planning Organization has agreed to allocate a budget for conducting a publicity campaign on the sidelines of the global football event.

She added that the budget will be determined once the programs are finalized and the costs are assessed, ISNA reported.

"Travel agencies offering world cup tours can make use of advertising packages and items during the event," she said.

"In addition to ICHHTO's plans, travel agencies are called upon to propose advertising schemes that will be studied and confirmed before the [Iranian] yearend."

The football event has been scheduled for 14 June to 15 July 2018.

Iran's Football Federation has requested ICHHTO to present a list of authorized tour operators so as to introduce them on its official website to facilitate travel to Russia.

So far, no names have been presented to the federation. This is while room reservations have started since the World Cup draw took place on Dec. 1.

"A further loss of time will result in higher booking prices, which will make it difficult for Iranian football lovers to watch the matches," Ajdari said.

The global event is an opportunity for tourism authorities to launch initiatives for introducing Iran's tourism potentials to the world.

The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup was held at the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia.

Iran is drawn in one of the toughest groups with Portugal, Spain and Morocco. Its first match will be against Morocco at Saint Petersburg on June 15.

The previous 2014 World Cup was won by Germany with a 1-0 victory over Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.