ISFAHAN - In a striking discovery that counters long-standing unfavorable perceptions, 100 international trip operators from 25 countries recently checked out Irans ancient city of Isfahan and expressed their astonishment at the reality they encountered.Their excursions, which were part of a five-day orientation trip called Isfahan Tour Operator Meeting, provided an opportunity for tourist professionals to experience Irans Isfahan firsthand, challenging the tarnished international picture of the country.Organized by the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture in close collaboration with governmental bodies and the economic sector, the fam tour intended to showcase Isfahans historical splendour, abundant culture, and hospitality.
It also facilitated business-to-business (B2B) conferences and conversations to enhance worldwide tourism relations.During interviews conducted on the 4th day of the trip, numerous operators shared their impressions, revealing surprise and adoration for Irans hospitality, cultural vibrancy, and tourism potential.Sharon from Cape Town, South Africa, confessed that her previous understanding of Iran was significantly different from truth, saying that she did not expect such a gorgeous city.And Im very delighted to state that its not like my previous creativity at all.
Weve been really privileged to be exposed to what is possible in Iran, and especially around here.
were thrilled to support you [r tourism industry] Adnan from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, admitted his expectations were low due to minimal information about Iran triggered by international sanctions.
His experience in Isfahan left him happily surprised.Well, to be sincere, since of the sanctions we did not receive a lot of information from Iran.
So, I did not expect a lot, however I am now surprised.I saw a lot of youths on the streets with smiles on their faces.
The hospitality here is overwhelming, and Isfahan is a truly stunning destination, he stated.
He likewise exposed that his company has actually already begun preparing group tours to Iran, beginning in May after [the lunar month of] Ramadan.Alessia from St.
Petersburg, Russia, echoed similar beliefs.
This has been a fantastic experience.
The historical buildings, individuals warmth, and the general environment have actually impressed me deeply.
I believe this occasion will surely attract more Russian tourists to Iran, she stated.I am so surprised and pleased by what we experienced in Isfahan.
And I think that this occasion, for sure, will attract more travelers from Russia and all other countries.I wish to say lots of thanks to all the people who were associated with arranging the process and who made this occasion occur.
And its a possibility to explore such a gorgeous city of Isfahan.
Its really half of the world, Alessia said.Its so gorgeous.
And I imply not just these historic structures, monoliths, this architecture.
I suggest individuals, their attitude, their stability, their friendship, their warm and welcome.Karla from Bosnia and Herzegovina stressed the effect of media stereotypes.
We frequently see Iran misrepresented in the media.
This trip was an excellent opportunity to break those stereotypes.
My opinion of Iran was constantly favorable, but this see reaffirmed it, she explained.Your country is incredible, as I understood that before.
So my viewpoint was the very same, however [ this tour] just assured and reaffirmed me.Sardar Muhammad from Delhi, India, who has actually visited Iran multiple times, described Isfahan as a piece of paradise in the heart of Iran.It is my fifth trip to Iran.
I know Tehran effectively and it is a really, really gorgeous city.
Its my first visit to Isfahan.
It is a Jannat (a piece of paradise) in the heart of Iran.
It is extremely, really beautiful.Abbas Malik from South Africa likewise admitted his expectations were completely different before getting here in Iran.
Individuals here are so kind and simple Its a plain contrast to the image we had previously, he observed.It is my very first time visiting Iran.
And when I showed up here I see it is totally various from what we expected previously.
We see that individuals are so kind, nice, and simple thats a huge difference.Katrina from Greece prompted tourists to check out Isfahan, applauding its breathtaking handicrafts and carpets.
Isfahan truly is half of the world.
Katrina noted that she absolutely encourages people in Greece to visit this stunning city.Moreover, Isfahan has really great and hospitable people and tasty food.
when I go back to Greece, I will convince everyone to go to Isfahan to experience how beautiful it is.A gold mine of untapped potentialMuhammad Reza from Mumbai highlighted Irans abundant tourist offerings.
Iran is a stunning and historical location, however it has actually not been marketed well worldwide.
It has the potential to be a leading travel location if promoted successfully, he kept in mind, suggesting that Iran needs to use more multilingual marketing materials to reach a worldwide audience.Iran is such a gorgeous and a historic location.
The unfortunate part is that it has actually not been marketed well in the world.
When it comes to tourism, it resembles a great product, but the branding is not noticeable in that sense.We, the tour operators from different nations, should try and do our finest to tell what we have actually seen here with our eyes.
Talk about the hospitality of the people.
Talk about the food, the culture, the handicrafts, Muhammad Reza said.
You understand, I believe the problem of the Iranians is the majority of their programs is in Farsi, which the world doesnt comprehend.
If they speak about Hafez, but in English so its going to help spread Iranian culture even more.We needs to use it for marketing our items.
Otherwise, it will stay within the four corners of Iran itself.
If you want to outreach to the world, if you desire to communicate the message of Iran and the message of love that Iran stands for outside the world, we require to use, you understand, different languages and various mediums and platforms to reach out.He likewise talked about his experience of checking out a desert during the fam trip.
We went to Varzaneh [Desert], which was a very lovely place.
It was my first experience.
I had never ever seen, you understand, a desert and safari experiences like this.
It was a very lovely experience.
Likewise, it was really fascinating due to the fact that we had people from several cultures.
Good friends from countries which we have not seen before.
Good friends from Bosnia.
Good friends from Armenia.
Pals from Thailand, and South Africa.
And also colleagues.
A brand-new dawn for Iranian tourismThe testimonies of these trip operators highlight the stark contrast between Irans worldwide image and the reality on the ground.
Their experiences in Isfahan reinforce the need for a more accurate representation of Irans tourist potential.As these operators return home, their direct accounts may act as a driver for modification, challenging misconceptions and motivating more travelers to check out the rich history, culture, and hospitality that Iran needs to use.
Such occasions mark a substantial step toward rebranding Irans image and developing it as a key gamer in the worldwide tourism industry.AM