Iran's Tourism Revenues Reach $7.5bln, Set to Rise to $30 bln: VP

Speaking Saturday in a visit to Imam Khomeini (RA) International Airport, south of Tehran, Soltanifar said Iran's annual tourism revenues currently stand at $7.5 billion.

He said some 5.1 million tourists annually travel to the country, more than half of whom come to visit the country's religious and pilgrimage sites.

The official added that Iran seeks to attract 20 million tourists annually by 2025, raising the country's tourism income to $30 billion a year.

Iran has many tourism and religious attractions and should turn into a major destination for Muslim tourists, he further said, stressing the importance of tapping into the huge Halal tourism market.

Sotanifar also noted that more than 100,000 historical sites have been identified in the country, 32,000 of which have been nationally registered. 

He went on to say that some 12 million tourists expected to annually visit the Islamic Republic by 2025 will be Shiite Muslims from other countries while the rest of the visitors will mostly come from Europe, South East Asia, China and Russia.

Iran has attached considerable significance to developing its tourism industry in recent years.

The country is seen as one of the world’s top potential tourist destinations as it holds countless ancient sites.

It hosts Asia's 4th and the Middle East's 1st largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Iran is home to 17 historic sites which have been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.

It has a diverse landscape and its tourism industry offers a myriad of recreational opportunities.

They range from hot mineral water showers in the northwest to hiking and skiing in the Alborz mountains to magnificent architectural sight-seeing in the center and beach holidays in the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea. 

Apart from its glorious ancient sites, the country's allure lies in its people’s reputation for hospitality.