TEHRAN - Kish Island is set to enhance its appeal to international tourists with the introduction of some new initiatives, according to the CEO of the Kish free zone organization.

During a visit to the Kish International Airport on Monday, Rahim Sarhangi emphasized the importance of attracting foreign tourists to the Island, highlighting recent efforts by several banks to introduce specialized debit cards for international visitors. These cards, he added, will be usable across the island, aiming to enhance the convenience and experience of foreign travelers.

“Increasing foreign tourism not only brings foreign currencies into the country but also contributes significantly to completing the value chain of tourism within the region,” the CEO outlined.

He described Kish as an attractive destination for international tourists, citing its consistently clean air, tranquil environment, and captivating waters, alongside the island’s excellent hospitality services, as unique assets.

Sarhangi stressed that the key to successfully attracting foreign tourists lies in completing the tourism chain. This includes increasing international flights to Kish, which he identified as a crucial element, alongside a specialized focus on the hospitality industry to cater to foreign visitors.

“The island’s catering industry must evolve to offer services and cuisines that align with the tastes of tourists from various countries,” the CEO further elaborated.

Sarhangi also mentioned the implementation of familiarization tours for regional countries, which have played a role in boosting foreign tourism to Kish. However, he reiterated that the success of such initiatives depends on the full development of the island’s tourism infrastructure.

Sarhangi expressed support for the expansion of Flydubai flights to Kish, noting that the airline could significantly enhance tourist influx to the island. He also revealed plans to establish a new air route connecting Armenia, Dubai, and Kish, leveraging Flydubai’s network to further increase accessibility and attract more international visitors.

XF/AM