The first tourist train from Tehran to Hamedan Province set off on May 5, carrying over 320 enthusiasts and participants in the first National Animation Festival hosted by the province.
According to Ali Malmir, head of provincial office of Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, a yearlong contract has been signed with Raja Railway Transport Company, based on which rail-bus vehicles will ferry passengers between Tehran and Hamedan on special occasions such as the ongoing festival.
"In addition to facilitating transportation for participants and audiences of events, the train will hugely alleviate aerial and road traffic, increase the number of travelers in future events and improve travel safety," IRNA quoted the official as saying.
Further contributing to promotion of tourism in Hamedan, Raja Company has agreed to use the rolling stock potential to introduce the historical city's attractions with informative prints on trains in busy routs from Tehran to Mashhad, Tabriz, Bandar Abbas, Isfahan and Shiraz.
Malmir hoped that the tourism train will continue serving in the route in the future.
WTO Event
The train is launched as part of efforts to develop tourism infrastructure in Hamedan especially as the province is set to host a major international event in 2018.
The 40th Plenary Session of the Affiliate Members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization will be held in Hamedan from November 12 to 14.
It will bring together over 500 travel-associated companies, educational and research institutions and NGOs from around the world, which will take pre- and post-session tours, visiting the province's attractions.
Tourism authorities see it as a great change to promote the historical city as a favorable destination.
Officials hope that the event will push forward projects to enhance Hamedan's travel infrastructures continually, gradually highlighting its standing on the international stage.
The animation festival will run through Monday. The guests can take the same train back to Tehran the day after.
Home to 1,800 historical sites, Hamedan Province is known as the country's capital of history and civilization.
Ganjnameh (an ancient inscription), tombs of famous figures such as Avicenna and Baba Taher, ancient bath-houses, caravanserais, historical houses and churches are among the outstanding attractions of the province.
