TEHRAN – For the first time in the country, a cruise ship route is planned to be inaugurated in Bandar Abbas, southern Hormozgan province, the tourism minister has said. 

Allocating subsidized fuel could be an effective mechanism to boost maritime tourism investment and development as one of the missions of this ministry, Ezzatollah Zarghami explained on Sunday.

Over time, there will be more vessels, docks, terminals, and equipment necessary to serve passengers and tourists, he added. 

The Iranian tourism industry, especially that related to marine tourism, is anticipating Doha’s response regarding docking this ship in Qatar during the World Cup, the minister stated. 

Back in August, the minister announced that there would be an acceleration in the development of maritime tourism. 

Fuel subsidies will be allocated to cruise ships, which will lead to a reduction in sea travel costs and a rise in maritime tourism, the minister said.

With this subsidy, fuel consumption for a cruise with 1000 passengers will be reduced from 600 billion rials ($2 million) to 500 million rials ($1,700), he explained.

Earlier in May, Zarghami and Qatar’s Minister of Culture and Sports Abdulrahman bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani met in Tehran, exchanging views on how to facilitate tourism during the World Cup.

The two countries discussed ways to further deepen tourism, cultural heritage, and handicraft ties by taking advantage of the World Cup opportunity in Qatar.

Zarghami suggested setting up a committee to plan and coordinate ideas and to make the most of the World Cup’s capacity.

Back in April, the Iranian media reported that the government mulled over a visa simplification procedure at the suggestion of its Foreign Ministry to draw spectators from neighboring Qatar, which plays host to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in November and December.

The Iranian government plans to grant a free visa to citizens whose national football teams qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar for a one-time or a two-time period with a validity period of two months and a 30-day stay.

The minister said many people are interested in visiting Iran for its historical attractions and eco-tourism, to name a few.

Coastal and maritime tourism

Over the past couple of years, the Islamic Republic has made various efforts to exploit maritime tourism potential by developing hospitality infrastructures, diversifying sea routes, and drawing private sector investors along its vast southern coasts.

Prosperous maritime tourism could help the country to meet its ambitious target of attracting 20 million annual tourists by 2025. It also keeps an eye on tourism developments in the Caspian Sea in the north.

Back in February, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Transport and Urban Development signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop maritime tourism and make the best use of its potential on the southern and northern coasts of the country.

Promoting the culture of using the sea as a tool to increase social vitality, developing coastal activities in the form of environmentally friendly plans and programs, and creating the necessary grounds for cooperation and exchange of knowledge and information was also among the topics of the agreement.

ABU/MG