Iranian delegates to Fitur 2016, one of the world’s most reputable tourism fairs, will strive to put a permanent end to Iranophobia and present a more realistic image of the country, local media reported.
The 36th edition of Fitur kicked off on Wednesday in the Spanish capital of Madrid and Iran is one of the 165 countries attending the influential the five-day event.
Fitur is the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound Ibero (Latin) American markets.
According to the Persian daily Donya-e-Eqtesad, Iran’s top goal this year is to encourage people to see the country with new eyes.
“Tourism is a nascent industry in Iran and we believe Spain can help us develop it,” IRNA quoted Muhammad Mohammadi, an official at the event, as saying.
A high-level Spanish delegation led by Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo and Industry Minister Jose Manuel Soria met with their Iranian counterparts in Tehran last year and expressed interest in expanding two-way tourism, and Iran’s participation at Fitur is expected to help strengthen ties with the southwest European nation.
Twenty firms are presenting Iran this year.
In addition to introducing less-known natural, cultural and historical attractions, Iranian officials are also promoting the country’s handicrafts, local customs and traditions, and Persian cuisine.
Visitors to Iran’s pavilion will also be given a questionnaire which aims to help Iranian officials understand the preferences of Latin American travelers.
“Many tourists have preconceived notions about Iran due to the western media’s anti-Iran propaganda. But they’re always surprised when they visit the country and realize it is nothing like what they had imagined,” ISNA quoted Alireza Esmaeili, Iran’s cultural attaché to Spain, as saying.
He said Iran’s diplomatic mission in Madrid has been promoting Iranian tourism by distributing flyers, DVDs and guides.
Curiously, Iran is not promoting its health tourism potential, which is one of this year’s two main themes —the other being tourism technology — ISNA reported.
Participation in international expos is necessary to promote Iranian tourism attractions and provides a platform for tourism authorities and travel agencies to meet their counterparts from across continents. These events offer cost-effective opportunities for exploring overseas markets and introducing new packages.
