From the Proposal of Establishing Free Tourism Zones to Criticism of the Small Travel Table: A Comprehensive Review

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From the Proposal of Establishing Free Tourism Zones to Criticism of the Small Travel Table

Private sector activists, in a meeting to review the country’s tourism situation and investor conditions, criticized the unfavorable state of the tourism industry and proposed suggestions such as establishing free tourism zones. In the meeting held at the Iran Chamber of Commerce conference hall with the presence of private sector representatives and the tourism deputy, discussions focused mainly on investment issues in this sector, almost forgetting the main subject of the session. One of the suggestions put forward by private activists was to expand Iran’s tourism scope so that Iran Charter can encourage more private sector activity through favorable investment conditions.

University professors also played a key role in providing solutions. Ebrahim Gholam Heidar Bay Salami, a university professor, mentioned that tourism in Iran is traditional and neglected, and this market needs the private sector for further growth and development. He stressed that Iran Charter should enable the private sector to actively participate in major economic projects. Additionally, Ali Rahimpour, another university professor, stated that drafting new regulations and forming specialized committees in outbound marketing and advertising can improve the tourism situation and increase investments.

Youths and investors also shared their concerns. Mohammadreza Alavi, an active investor in this meeting, pointed to the high inflation rate in the country, explaining that in such economic conditions, investing in tourism with dollar costs and expecting returns in Iranian rials is not feasible. Furthermore, Farouh Toghifi, a private sector investor, highlighted the challenges in the luxury hotel industry, emphasizing that this sector requires specialized equipment and suitable materials, which are often not available in the market.

Arashk Masayeli, a tourism researcher, stated that the Ministry of Cultural Heritage has recently been established, and the government’s intervention tools in this area are still incomplete. He suggested utilizing the existing legal capacities in the constitution to create specialized working groups for coordinating related organizations to better manage tourism issues by enhancing the ministry’s verbal and practical power. He also highlighted that Iran Charter can facilitate investments and improve marine tourism development by creating free tourism zones in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

Mohammad Moezeddin, head of the Iranian Tourism and World Tourism Organization from 1997 to 2003, stated that the seventh development plan could help boost tourism, suggesting the need to upgrade tourism service and facility standards. He proposed that tourism projects should be developed with mixed-use purposes to benefit from cooperation and participation across different sectors.

Ali-Asghar Shalbaghian, the tourism vice-deputy of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, also emphasized the importance of the seventh development plan, adding that mechanisms should be created to encourage investors in tourism projects. He mentioned that tax exemptions for importing tourism equipment are among the key incentives in this plan, which can facilitate tourism projects.

Proposals from Private Sector Activists for Establishing Tourism Free Zones

Private sector activists have recently proposed the establishment of tourism free zones. These zones, by providing special services and facilities to investors, can significantly contribute to the growth of the tourism industry. Creating a conducive environment for investment will attract domestic and foreign investments and enhance the quality of tourism services.

Criticism of the Small Size of the Tourism Industry and the Need for Expansion

Despite numerous opportunities, Iran’s tourism industry remains small. Private sector activists have criticized this and emphasized the high importance of its expansion and development. Increasing tourists and investment in tourism can boost the country’s economy and create new job opportunities.

The Role of University Professors in Providing Solutions to Improve the Tourism Industry

University professors play a key role in providing solutions for the improvement and development of the tourism industry. With their experience and technical knowledge, they can offer solutions based on scientific research to improve the state of tourism and facilitate investment in this sector.

Concerns of Investors in Iran’s Tourism Sector

Investors in the tourism sector are facing various challenges and problems. High inflation rates, creating suitable economic conditions for investment, and access to sustainable financial resources are among their main concerns. Addressing these issues can pave the way for attracting more investment in the tourism sector.

Researchers’ Proposals for Better Management of Tourism

Researchers in the tourism field have proposed measures for better management of this industry. Some include the formation of specialized working groups, coordination of related agencies, and the use of existing legal capacities. These actions can enhance managerial power and the effective implementation of tourism plans.

Importance of the Seventh Development Plan in Boosting the Tourism Industry

The Seventh Development Plan, as one of the country’s major economic plans, plays an important role in promoting the tourism industry. With its implementation, investment opportunities in the tourism sector will increase, and necessary infrastructures for improving tourism services will be provided. This plan can help improve the quality of tourism and attract more tourists.

Facilitating Tourism Investments Through Tax Exemptions

One of the key proposals to facilitate investment in the tourism sector is the provision of tax exemptions for importing tourism equipment and other investments. These exemptions can reduce investment costs and increase investors’ motivation to enter this field.

Development of Marine Tourism in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman

Developing marine tourism in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is one of the proposed strategies to expand the tourism industry. Creating tourism free zones in these areas can provide more investment opportunities, and marine tourism can become a thriving branch of this industry.

Raising Tourism Service Standards to Attract More Investment

Raising the standards of tourism services, including hotels, restaurants, and other tourism facilities, plays a significant role in attracting investment. By improving the quality of services provided, more tourists will be attracted, and investors’ trust in Iran’s tourism market will increase.

FAQ

Why do private sector activists find the investment conditions in the tourism industry unfavorable?: Private sector activists pointed out that the current state of the tourism industry and investment conditions are unfavorable, and many investment issues hinder the growth of this industry.
What are the proposals from private sector activists to improve the tourism industry?: Private sector activists suggested establishing tourism free zones and encouraging more involvement of the private sector in major projects to enable their participation in investments.
What is Ebrahim Gholam Heidar Bai Salami’s view on tourism in Iran?: Ebrahim Gholam Heidar Bai Salami stated that Iran’s tourism industry is small and traditional, and needs market expansion by the private sector. He also emphasized that the private sector should play a greater role in major projects.
How can the tourism market in Iran be expanded by the private sector?: The private sector needs to be empowered to participate in tourism investments, and by giving them more authority in major projects, existing issues can be resolved.
Why does the Seventh Development Plan still have a governmental focus?: The plans in the Seventh Development Plan are still largely government-centric, and the private sector is not strong enough to play a significant role, hence the need to increase private sector involvement in the programs.
What proposals does Ali Rahim Pour have for improving the tourism business?: Ali Rahim Pour proposed that certain mandates require specifications and recommended forming a committee for international marketing and advertising to assess the advertising budgets of various organizations and identify the private sector’s needs in promoting Iran to global markets.
What role does the international marketing and advertising committee play in tourism growth?: This committee should review the advertising budgets of various organizations and ministries, identify the private sector’s needs for introducing Iran in global markets, and assist them.
Why is investment in marine tourism important?: Investment in marine tourism is important due to the existing capabilities in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and the need to revive marine tourism routes. Additionally, other countries’ discussions about Iranian islands indicate the need for more activities in this area.
How does Mohammadreza Alavi describe the investment challenges under high inflation?: Mohammadreza Alavi noted that with a 40% inflation rate, investors cannot invest at dollar costs and expect returns in their local currency, which decreases confidence and investor activity.
What concerns does Farah Toghifi have about the hotel industry?: Farah Toghifi stated that hospitality is a luxury industry and cannot be provided with just any equipment. There are also concerns about maintaining raw materials in the market and the high maintenance costs of hotels.
What changes does Arash Mesaili suggest for the Ministry of Cultural Heritage?: Arash Mesaili suggested that the Ministry of Cultural Heritage should enhance its verbal and operational power and utilize existing legal capacities in the Constitution. He also proposed forming specialized working groups for coordinating related agencies.
How can marine tourism be developed in Iran?: The coastlines should be expanded in terms of population and physical development, and marine tourism routes should be revived. It was also proposed to create tourism free zones in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman to facilitate investments.
What strategies does Mohammad Moezzedin propose for boosting tourism in the Seventh Development Plan?: Mohammad Moezzedin proposed improving the quality standards of tourism services and facilities like hotels, restaurants, and tours, and enhancing human resources service quality. He also emphasized the development of education and the presence of educational institutions in this field.
What incentives does Ali-Asghar Shalbafian propose for tourism investors?: Ali-Asghar Shalbafian suggested that tourism equipment, vehicles, and recreational boats be exempt from taxes, and the ability to sell and pre-sell tourism facilities, in a way that helps finance tourism projects, should be provided.
What is the role of the Chamber of Commerce in drafting tourism regulations?: The Chamber of Commerce should play a role in the process of drafting regulations, and the private sector should be present alongside the Ministry of Cultural Heritage to be able to advocate and express its needs.
How can tourism projects be financed?: By considering the possibility of selling and pre-selling facilities and units based on approved plans and using mixed land uses, ongoing tourism projects can be financed.
How does the Seventh Development Plan help organize the tourism industry?: The Seventh Development Plan, by dedicating an independent chapter to the tourism sector and organizing the tourism industry, assigns more importance and position to this industry and provides the groundwork for more attention to the tourism sector in the administrative system.
How can existing legal capacities in the Constitution be utilized for improving tourism?: Article 138 of the Constitution can be utilized to create specialized working groups in the tourism field and coordinate with related tourism agencies. These working groups can be guided by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and other institutions to take necessary actions.