Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization has plans to promote travel spots around Tehran in a bid to both diversify destinations and alleviate the mass tourism plaguing northern cities that are huge favorites of the capital’s residents.
“The fact that in holidays a major number of Tehranis make their way straight to Shomal (Persian for north and referring to south Caspian provinces) can be gradually modified through highlighting other tourist destinations around the capital,” ILNA quoted Mohammad Sabet-Eqlidi, head of tourism development and planning office at ICHHTO.
“Other possible destinations have not been effectively introduced so far; otherwise, people would definitely find alternatives to the Caspian cities,” he said.
Despite being fully aware of the very high chance of getting stuck in mind-numbingly long traffic congestions, people still choose to travel northward.
Vehicles are usually stationary for so long on holidays that dozens of people begin to show symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning while in the poorly-ventilated tunnels.
The easy access in terms of distance and affordability of travel to northern cities has made Shomal a staple destination for a large segment of the sprawling capital’s residents.
Tourism officials hope to direct the crowd toward other nearby attractions such as Qazvin, Semnan and Qom provinces, according to Sabet-Eqlidi.
“This can also help society to become more familiar with their historical and cultural background and values.”
According to the official, on-road tourist complexes, bird watching gardens, fish farming centers and more have already been established in Qom Province making it a good choice for a trip.
Furthermore, he said, there are a number of recreational centers besides ancient cultural attractions specifically in the western province of Hamedan, which are suitable for children. “Kids can have a lot of fun together with their family.”
However, the facilities alone are not able to allure tourists.
Ardeshir Orouji, a tourism expert, said it is essential to gauge the public’s preferences during trips through online or conventional polls.
“The results can help design various travel packages to meet the travelers’ needs,” he said.
Providing more enjoyable experience for the Iranians intending to travel inside the country will make them more satisfied, eventually contributing to domestic tourism, he added.
One proposed strategy, Sabet-Eqlidi said, is to hold cultural and traditional events in the capital’s adjacent provinces, in an effort to highlight their local attractions.
Furthermore, Orouji noted that “people should be motivated to take part in group tours.”
“This can not only help reduce traffic and road accidents, but also lowers the costs and lifts the social spirits.”
In Iran, only a meager 5% of total trips are made in groups and the majority of people prefer to maintain their privacy, he said.
Another notable point, according to the expert, is that the promised services should be provided the way they are advertised to bolster public confidence.
