A senior tourism official offered explanation to ease concerns among Iranian tour operators about a scheme devised by Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization titled "virtual tour operators".
The scheme came into force in early January calling on Iranians living abroad to submit their applications for a position as a virtual tour operator. However, it has faced criticism by tour companies who see it as ICHHTO's interference with the operations of the private sector, ISNA reported.
Based on laws on privatization, the ICHHTO is only responsible to formulate policies and regulate tourism operations and it is upon the private sector to undertake tourism-related schemes and provide various travel services.
Tourism deputy at ICHHTO, Mohammad Moheb-Khodaei, explained that the applicants would only operate as promoters of the country's tourist attractions and earn a sum of money for each tourist that is convinced to make a trip.
"The organization is only creating a link between travelers and private tour operators in Iran," the official said reassuring that the ICHHTO will not operate any tours but only find customers for the private sector through drawing on the capacity of Iranians overseas.
Innovative Approach
The effort is in line with the ICHHTO's new policies aimed at making a change in common strategies of attracting tourists. Officials describe the project as an innovative approach in the field.
"Iranians could endorse the country's tourist attractions and handmade artworks, and receive a certain amount of wage for each traveler they send to Iran," the official had earlier said. The scheme could also help Iranian students in foreign countries to have a source of income.
The official, however, did not clarify the amount of money they will pay and the process to prove the tourist has traveled through the virtual operators' channel.
Online registration is available at tourismcalendar.ir. To pick out qualified applicants, submitted forms undergo close scrutiny by tourism experts at ICHHTO. Once declared eligible, the applicants would receive the necessary know-how of working as a virtual tour operator.
"Furthermore, an online service also provides the would-be tour operators with advertising content and information on tour packages offered by Iranian travel agencies," Moheb-Khodaei explained. The country's ultimate goal is to draw 20 million foreign tourists annually by 2025. Although the target appears to be overambitious with only 7 years to go, authorities seem to be trying various strategies to catch up.
