The parliament is to prioritize extension of comprehensive insurance for tour guides in the next Iranian year (starting March 21), a lawmaker said.
Following complaints by tour guides concerning poor job security and insurance coverage, Jabbar Kouchakinejad, the head of the parliament's tourism faction, also promised to help fulfill their rights.
A group of guides discussed their difficulties with authorities in a conference in Kermanshah Province on Thursday, IRNA reported.
Mahsa Motahar, the head of Iran Federation of Tourist Guide Association, spoke on behalf of the tour leaders.
According to her, there are about 8,000 active guides who demand better working conditions.
"Tour guides are key to the growth of tourism industry and it's a pity that they have been deprived of basic rights," she said.
Pointing to the fact that achieving sustainable development requires fulfilling the demands of workforce, Motahar emphasized the necessity of devising supportive laws.
She asked the lawmaker to bring their case to the attention of Majlis.
"Tour guides' insurance, along with the establishment of Tourism Ministry, is high on the Majlis agenda and lawmakers are seriously pursuing the issue," Kouchakinejad said.
The International Tourist Guide Day is held annually on Feb. 21. In Iran, a national conference has been scheduled for Feb. 25 in the Holy Defense Museum of Tehran in which tour leaders will get another opportunity to discuss their problems and suggestions directly with those in charge.
Tourism Ministry Proposal
Approving the plan to convert Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization into a ministry will be the other key issue in the field of tourism to be discussed in the parliament in the next Iranian year.
Kouchakinejad highlighted instability in management as the major factor impeding the success of tourism plans.
"The constant shift in management threatens Iran's tourism industry, especially as the world economy is relying more and more on the travel business," ISNA quoted the lawmaker as saying.
Kouchakinejad, however, stressed that the decision should be implemented wisely to prevent any adverse impact on current projects.
The general principles of the plan on converting ICHHTO into a ministry have been approved by Majlis Joint Commission. Its details are currently under study and after incorporating any changes, a bill would be tabled in the parliament for final approval.
