TEHRAN –- Officials of the United Nation’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) negotiated over the selection of Tehran as the center of world handicrafts at Madrid’s 28th International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) 2008, IRNA reported on Monday.

Iran’s pavilion at FITUR, designed to look like Persepolis, and featuring the rich culture and ancient history of the country, has attracted much attention from the fair’s visitors and officials, he added.
Negotiations were conducted with UNWTO with regards to holding an international tourism exhibit in Tehran, making Tehran the world handicraft center and training efficient manpower to improve Iran’s handicraft industry, head of the Advertising and Exhibitions Department of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization, Mohammad-Hossein Barzin told IRNA.
UNWETO’s Deputy Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai also praised Iranian handicrafts and encouraged Iran to develop its tourist industry, Barzin mentioned.
The Simorgh traditional music band performed Iranian regional music during the exhibit which was warmly received. A traditional teahouse at the Iranian venue also offered souvenirs and welcomed visitors with tea, gaz and pistachios.
Fourteen Iranian private companies took part in the exhibit and were able to conduct useful negotiations with overseas companies for bringing tourist attractions to Iran.
He went on to say that about 40000 books, brochures, catalogues and CDs in the Spanish language were distributed amongst the fair’s visitors to introduce Iranian tourist attractions.
Several of Spain’s TV and radio channels gave Iran’s pavilion media coverage. Catalunya Radio, Catalonia’s public radio network, broadcast an hour long live program on Iran and its tourist attractions, aired a live performance by the Simorgh band and interviewed several Iranian officials.
A comprehensive range of world-wide tourist businesses and destinations were presented at the Madrid 28th International Tourism Fair (FITUR) which was held from January 30 to February 3. More than 12,000 exhibiting companies, 150,000 trade participants and 65,000 visitors from the general public witnessed FITUR’s growing success.