Iran: relaunching tourism with investments in infrastructures
Iran is determined to relaunch its tourism industry. During the 17th conference of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, which is taking place in Tehran, President Rouhani confirmed his country’s determination to relaunch the sector. The Government has set a goal of promoting foreign tourism in Iran thanks to investments that will innovate logistic infrastructures and enhance accommodation capabilities in the country. Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization reported that over 16 million tourists visited the country in the past three years. This has generated a strong demand for investments focusing on the modernisation, enhancement and upgrade of hotel services, especially in the high-end segment. The Government’s “2025 Tourism Vision Plan” envisages a solid increase in arrivals in the next 10 years, namely from 4.8 million reported in 2014 to 20 million forecast for 2025. To attract foreign investments in the tourism industry, the Government has approved incentives which foresee tax exemptions for 13 years for investments made in disadvantaged areas and for 5 years for investments made in other areas of the country.
