Iran Tourism
Iran: a shining example of great people
It was Mark Twain who once said, “Never let schooling get in the way of a good education.” Well, I was educated by none other than the government and the people of my newest and fondest travel destination: Iran.
While attending the first annual Iranian Tour Operators Conference, which took place on November 24th- 27th in Tehran Iran, I had my eyes opened to the finest example of a government's effort and its peoples natural hospitality, all working together in complete synergy to promote a dialogue among civilizations through cultural understanding and communication.
The people of Iran are among the most dignified, friendly and respectful people in the world. Through their actions, they have shown a great desire to be understood. By traveling through Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz and Kish Island as an American, it is obvious to me that Iran is a friendly, peace-loving country and a place of tolerance and understanding. These facts about Iran, along with one of the richest histories in the world, and four travel seasons, make Iran a must on any traveler's to-visit list.
After touring Iran for seven days and spending the last two on my own in Tehran, I found Iran to be a country, proud of its history and sincere in desire to be understood and to participate on the world stage. There is one particular story from my trip to Iran that I wanted to share. While being treated wonderfully by government officials and by people everywhere I went in Iran, I had the pleasure of striking up a conversation with a 20-something-year-old man from Tehran. After an exchange of conversation and the overwhelming effort on his part to welcome me to his county he ask me a very candid question which caught me completely off guard. “Do you think, I’m a terrorist?” he asked.
I was shocked by this sincere and heartfelt question and my only response was “Of course, not”. For the next four days, I spent all my free time in the company of this man. On the last night, he took me to one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen called Jamshid Davallu Park located at the base of Kolakchal Mountain in the Niavaran District of Tehran. I spent my last night in one of the parks traditional restaurants eating traditional Persian food sitting on traditional Persian rugs and smoking a traditional Persian hookah, with my new Iranian friend. Americans can learn a lot from the people of Iran, especially in terms of sincerity, hospitality, understanding and communication.
To get helpful insight into Iran and the Iranian people, as well as a perspective on the land of Persia suggested reading would be "The Ayatollah Begs to Differ" by Hooman Majd (www.hoomanmajd.com).
Comments
Dear Luisa,
Thank you very much for your nice and informative comment.
Hope to see you again.
I would like to thank you, Jon-Paul, for your kind and informative words about Iran and Iranians. As the Senior Vice President of ITOA and the Directing Managor of Iran Doostan Tours, it was my pleaseure to hold our best services for you in the first Iranian Tour Operators Conference.
I woulk also like to thank Luisa Yu for her kind attitudes.
Hope to meet you again and again in Iran.
awesome! That's what Iran really is... The people, the places and of course the country itself, its a paradise where you can easily get along with the people sharing there warmth and hospitable smile on every moment you talked to them the way they will treat you... Thanks for a very nice experience working with you guys! Salam! Be salamati! Irani!!!
My trip to Iran was wonderful and I enjoyed every minute of it. The people were very friendly, hospitable, polite and educated. It was very safe, clean, modern, the meals were varied and delicious.
When it comes to culture; they had more history about the ancient civilizations than many other places. It was amazing to see how proud they are about their history and culture.
After 30 years in the business and as past president of the Travel Industry Association of South Florida, I feel very comfortable to recommend Iran to my colleague and clients that would be interested. This is a destination that has a lot of potential and I want to thank the committee of the ITOC for such a wonderful convention. They did a fantastic job welcoming travel professionals from all over the world and I am sure they will see fruition.
Luisa Yu
Westchester Travel(USA)
I have to agree with every word I read! I run tours to Iran for Americans since 1996 and Iran also has been one of my very deal and favorite destinations. I love its culture, its history, its food and its geography. Pitty that so many people are too ignorant to allow themselves the pleasure of discovering such a fascinating place!
I would like to thank Jon-Paul and Sandra very much for their kind words about my home country Iran. As a persian, It is my great honour to be host of such wonderful people in my home.
As the Australian Representative, I had the honour to be included in the First International Tour Operators Convention held in Iran (ancient Persia) between 24th and 27th November, 2008.
Iran's hospitable, warm generous people, the unbelievably beautiful archaeological sites, one being Persepolis and of course the magnificent Mosques, the snow capped mountains overlooking the cosmopolitan capital city Tehran and the old city of Esfahan are not new to me. I've been escorting groups of Australians to this wonderful destination for many, many years. For me, Iran is a giant magnet.
Sandra Veness.
MIDDLE EAST TOURS (AUSTRALIA)
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