Is Iran considered a safe country for tourism?

A research study was recently conducted to determine the level of security for foreign tourists in our country, Iran, compared to European, American, Canadian, and Australian nations. The results indicated that Iran, along with countries like Kuwait and Qatar in the Middle East, was among the few nations with a “low” level of security risks in the tourism sector. Other countries in the region were assessed to have either medium or high security risks.

Given that tourism is a significant activity capable of transforming a country’s one-dimensional economy into a diverse and dynamic one, all countries and governments have endeavored to identify their inherent potentials and utilize them to the fullest.

In this regard, a country like Iran, which has long suffered from a mono-dependent oil-based economy and yet possesses astonishing potentials in every branch of tourism, is not an exception. For several years, authorities in the country have aimed to sustainably boost this industry.

However, numerous factors need attention for the transition from mere willingness to actual capability. One critical factor in fostering the growth and appeal to both domestic and international tourists in any country is creating a sense of security for tourists, especially foreign visitors.

In other words, a country’s safety and instilling a sense of security in foreign tourists is a crucial aspect that the tourism industry in Iran hinges upon.

What does security in tourism mean in Iran?

To begin with, it might be necessary to explain what exactly we mean by the existence of security in the tourism industry. Generally, security encompasses an individual’s health, tranquility, well-being, societal stability, and protection from harm by others. Setting aside the negative portrayals in foreign media about Iran, it must be acknowledged that cultural and social differences and some unprofessional actions by officials have often led many people worldwide to believe that Iran is an unsafe country.

The news depicting confrontations and altercations with foreign nationals on various issues, as portrayed in foreign media, indeed lend some credibility to this claim.

While many of them regret their initial perceptions and beliefs about Iran and Iranians after traveling to the country.

If we set aside the rumors, negative propaganda, and unwise actions by some relevant officials in our country, the presence of unrest in the country and other regional nations, economic instability, and so forth contribute to creating this negative perception.

However, what we intend to address in this report is by no means related to political matters, rumors, or Iran’s diplomatic relations with other countries regarding the security of tourism in Iran. Instead, we have endeavored to scrutinize real and tangible factors concerning tourism security in Iran.

Tourism Security in Iran: Transportation Infrastructure in Iran

As previously indicated, tourism is one of the significant potentials and important opportunities for a country like Iran, given the vast array of potentials it holds in this sector.

Nevertheless, the state of transportation in our country seems to be somewhat concerning for tourists, especially foreign visitors.

Today, we are confronted with a high volume of news concerning road accidents, plane crashes, train derailments, and so forth. To the extent that these news reports have caused concerns among travelers and even domestic travel enthusiasts within the country.

Consequently, it seems that one of the most critical components to consider in the development of tourism in any country is the security of transportation, including land, air, and sea. Undoubtedly, the high statistics of transportation accidents and incidents lead to worry and anxiety for travelers visiting Iran, consequently resulting in a reduced demand for travel to this country.

Tourism Security in Iran: The Serious Impact of COVID-19 on Iran’s Tourism Industry

In recent times, following the outbreak of the coronavirus, Iran’s tourism industry, which was thriving and anticipated for further growth and utilization, was severely affected. Currently, even the status of domestic travel has no precise definition and is not properly executed.

On the other hand, given the situation regarding the spread of various strains of the coronavirus and the vaccination process in the country, those involved in this industry are not very hopeful about establishing international travels in the current year.

According to this report, issuance of tourist visas for Iran has been halted for about a year by the order of the National Coronavirus Taskforce. Simultaneously with this decision, statistics were published about the state of disorder and decline in the country’s tourism industry.

As per statistics released by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, domestic tourism in Iran experienced a decline from the end of 2019 to mid-2020. Subsequently, with certain measures in place, there has been a slight trend towards improvement. However, during this period, some foreign tourists have traveled to Iran with medical, commercial, or work visas.

Tourism in Iran: The statistics transparently indicate that many countries have benefited from the circumstances surrounding the spread of the coronavirus to the advantage of their tourism industry. However, in Iran, issues such as inadequate cultural and social infrastructure, lack of engineered regulations, unsatisfactory transportation infrastructure, road conditions, and the country’s unfavorable situation concerning the coronavirus have rendered Iran relatively unsafe for both domestic and international tourists.

This situation has led many tourists and foreign travelers to prefer visiting other countries over Iran, despite its numerous attractions.

However, those involved in the tourism industry and stakeholders have not remained idle. Some time ago, they requested in a letter addressed to the Deputy of Tourism at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts to arrange a meeting with the Ministry of Health, the National Coronavirus Taskforce, to negotiate the possibility of allowing entry for nature tourists, ensuring compliance with health protocols. This is to avoid losing the existing tourists who still have the desire to visit and explore Iran. It appears that this action has not yet yielded the desired outcome.

Conclusion

Now that COVID-19 has been fully resolved, it can be said that Iran is a safe country from various perspectives. Dear tourists can inquire about their questions regarding tourism in Iran or other related aspects through various guidance available on this website or via email to this person: [phone number] 09360633960.