Lack of proper advertisement is a major impediment in the way of Iran's domestic tourism, a senior official at Iran's Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization said.
Mohammad Moheb-Khodaei, who was appointed ICHHTO's deputy for tourism and replaced caretaker Mirhadi Qareseyyed-Roumiani on August 21, referred to advertisement as a key strategy for promoting tourism development, IRNA reported.
"Iran's tourist attractions have not been appropriately promoted in Iran and the world so far, and the prevailing advertisements do not do justice to the country's valuable cultural heritage," he said.
According to the official, events such as national and provincial tourism festivals, programs on the national broadcasting network and branding are among main measures to help develop the country's tourism industry.
Advertisements could introduce tourism spots to local and foreign travelers, present travel packages and promote brands offering tourism services.
Moheb-Khodaei emphasized that international marketing with state-of-the-art technology and organizing familiarization tours are among other strategies set to achieve the goal.
"Tourism is no longer restricted to recreational activities, but is an umbrella term, comprising health tourism, industrial tourism, adventure tourism, etc. which provides a huge capacity for development and a source of revenue," he concluded.
Familiarization tours are free (or low cost) trips for travel agents or consultants, provided by a government agency, travel operator or airline as a means of promoting tourism.
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