Changes in Tourism Sector Under Study
December 23, 1998 - 0:0
TEHRAN Due to the increasing importance of tourism sector and the considerable amount of hard currency earned through this vital industry, Iran Touring and Tourism Organization is to make some changes to this sector. Speaking at a press conference, Head of Iran Touring and Tourism Organization, Mohammad Moezzoddin, said that no attention has been paid to the country's tourism sector in the national programs, particularly from economic and cultural viewpoints, and that the government has not taken this sector into consideration seriously.
Expressing concern over the current situation of tourism in the country, Moezzoddin underlined that the government pays attention to tourism only when it faces falling oil prices. After its financial problems are removed, the government once again shelves the issue of tourism, Moezzoddin added. He further said, After holding talks with the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Ataollah Mohajerani, and some other members of the Cabinet, we came to the conclusion that Iran Touring and Tourism Organization should become independent and have a representative in the Cabinet. Moezzoddin emphasized that the merging of the Iran Touring and Tourism Organization with Cultural Heritage Organization would be one of the ways to improve the current condition of tourism and bring about some progresss in this sector.
Moreover, he referred to the proposed establishment of a tourism ministry or an independent tourism organization under supervision of the president. He added that such a ministry or organization would comprise both Iran Touring and Tourism Organization and Cultural Heritage Organization. Due to its financial problems, the government does not seem to be able to establish a new ministry. But Iran Touring and Tourism Organization and Cultural Heritage Organization can offer services in Tehran and other cities under the President's Office, Moezzoddin concluded.
It is worth noting that Iran Touring and Tourism Organization and Cultural Heritage Organization are presently affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. None of them has a representative in the Cabinet.
Expressing concern over the current situation of tourism in the country, Moezzoddin underlined that the government pays attention to tourism only when it faces falling oil prices. After its financial problems are removed, the government once again shelves the issue of tourism, Moezzoddin added. He further said, After holding talks with the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Ataollah Mohajerani, and some other members of the Cabinet, we came to the conclusion that Iran Touring and Tourism Organization should become independent and have a representative in the Cabinet. Moezzoddin emphasized that the merging of the Iran Touring and Tourism Organization with Cultural Heritage Organization would be one of the ways to improve the current condition of tourism and bring about some progresss in this sector.
Moreover, he referred to the proposed establishment of a tourism ministry or an independent tourism organization under supervision of the president. He added that such a ministry or organization would comprise both Iran Touring and Tourism Organization and Cultural Heritage Organization. Due to its financial problems, the government does not seem to be able to establish a new ministry. But Iran Touring and Tourism Organization and Cultural Heritage Organization can offer services in Tehran and other cities under the President's Office, Moezzoddin concluded.
It is worth noting that Iran Touring and Tourism Organization and Cultural Heritage Organization are presently affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. None of them has a representative in the Cabinet.