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Corona is a reality but it cannot stop traveling, tourism minister says

“Corona is a fact, but can the virus stop tourism? Certainly not. For us, the coronavirus is a new experience in dealing with crises that teaches tourism experts around the world how to deal with such a disaster, and thankfully governments are turning this into an opportunity for better planning,” Ali-Asghar Mounesan said, ISNA reported. He made the remarks in a video showcased on Tuesday evening during a prize-giving ceremony in which a select of tourism businesses, tour operators, investors, and hoteliers were honored. “Tourism experts will certainly find a way to deal with this great crisis. As if the measures so far been taken in Iran and all over the world show that we will surely succeed [to make a big rebound] through proper smart planning.” Addressing the attendees to the ceremony, the minister explained; “Investments and the launch of new projects in the tourism sector have been increased dramatically underway across the country. Of these, about 600 are hotel-related projects that show a very promising future, conveying a message that investors see profitable prospects for Iran’s tourism.” Elsewhere in remarks, the official said “We are not saying that tourism should [merely] replace oil [revenues], but tourism can become first [sector of] economy in the country replacing revenues [currently being come from [the export of] mineral and raw resources.” “Tourism can create an easy way to earn and create employment by tapping into the existing historical and natural capacities of the country.” Mounesan has long been attaching importance to tourism as a source of revenue, which could substitute petro-dollars. Back in 2017, he said: “Every single foreign tourist visiting Iran spends an average of $1,200, bringing in income as much as exporting 30 barrels of oil.” Referring to the pandemic and its impacts on the traveling sector, he said: “All the economists in the world have predicted [dramatic] changes and developments for many once-prosperous sectors….. However, the technology is advancing, and smart solutions… will certainly bring changes in the world's economic sectors.” In June, the United Nations World Tourism Organization praised efforts made by Iran’s tourism ministry to manage the travel industry during the coronavirus pandemic. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said in a letter to Mounesan that the country's measures have truly earned plaudits to mitigate the impact on tourism. “A series of measures that the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Iran has taken, in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations of UNWTO, has truly earned plaudits as an effective practice to mitigate the impact on tourism,” the letter reads. Some experts believe that the coronavirus pandemic may turn tours and travels into luxury items as observing health protocols will raise the cost of travel in the country. Mohammad Ali Vaqefi, the vice president of the Iranian Tour Operators Association, warned earlier in June that with the continuation of the coronavirus outbreak, tourists may prefer individual travel rather than tours, adding that they may also choose to go on a trip by their vehicles and stay in tents or in the nature instead of hotels. In the global scene, part of the new travel puzzle is the jet-set mindset focusing on tough hygiene care and social distancing as cardinal guidelines for slowing the spread of the virus. So the average expenditure will be raised for a typical traveler particularly inbound passengers so lesser ones can afford to buy privacy and space and safer travel amenities. Meanwhile, deputy tourism minister Vali Teymouri, has said the tourism industry of Iran will get back on the right track sooner than expected thanks to measures taken to tackle the spread of coronavirus. “I believe that tourism industry of the country will get back on the right track far sooner than generally expected thanks to the measures taken to deal with the spread of coronavirus in tourist destinations, hotels, stopovers, and all the centers which are affiliated with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts,” Teymouri said. Iran expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 24 being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Under the 2025 Tourism Vision Plan, it aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals from 4.8 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2025. The latest available data show eight million tourists visited the Islamic Republic during the first ten months of the past Iranian calendar year (started March 21, 2019).

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Northern tourism on the verge of bankruptcy

With the outbreak of coronavirus, the tourism market of Mazandaran province has suffered severe and significant financial damage.  According to the statistics announced by the provincial authorities, the amount of this damage has been about 550 billion tomans so far.  So far, more than 2,200 private sector tourism enterprises in Mazandaran province have registered to receive unemployment insurance. 

All cities will have a comprehensive tourism plan by the end of the year

The country's Deputy Minister of Tourism announced;  The "Tourist City" project has a scientific dimension and cities are evaluated and ranked from the perspective of city officials, tourists, local communities and managers.  The "tourist city" creates competition among city officials for the development of tourism infrastructure, which the provinces should take advantage of.  By the end of the year, all 31 provinces of the country must declare their position in terms of tourist city and tourist destination.

Supporting investors in the field of tourism in Yazd

"Mohammad Mirshamsi" Deputy of Investment and Resource Supply of Yazd Province;  Capacity of the facilities of the Budget Law of 2018 and 2019 is a factor of prosperity and mobility in order to create employment in the tourism sector, growth of infrastructure and support of investors.  Since the announcement of these facilities until now and with the cooperation and support of banks as well as the pursuit of project investors, the amount of 69 billion rials has been paid to projects under investment.

The renovation project of Qazvin Hotel Grand enters a new phase

Esfandiar Heidaripour, CEO of Iran Cultural Heritage and Tourism Investment Company (SEMGA);  The reinforcement operation and the implementation of the initial restoration measures were completed last month. Additional renovation measures, including strengthening the roof covering, will be carried out, and finally, with the end of the structural operations this year, decorating project  will begin.

Corona has grounded the world aviation industry

Corona has grounded the world aviation industry.  Report of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO);  The number of international air passengers will decrease by about 1 billion and 200 million (equivalent to two thirds) by September 2020.  Revenues of airlines worldwide will fall by about $ 235 billion by September this year.

Reopening of Brazil's air borders with the aim of reviving the tourism industry

The Brazilian government opened its air borders to foreign passengers.  However, the ban on entry into Brazil by sea and land has been extended for another 30 days.  Foreign tourists staying in Brazil for 90 days or less must prove that they are covered by health insurance when they stay in the country. According to the Brazilian Tourism Confederation, the outbreak of the Corona virus in the country has caused about $ 24 billion damage to tourism industry.

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