Challenges Facing Iran's Tourism Industry

According to existing statistics, the tourism industry, as the second source of foreign exchange earnings in 49 developing countries, has a major role in the economic development of these countries. Today the tourism industry is referred to as a powerful arm for increasing income and reducing poverty in developing countries. The importance of tourism industry is so significant that for the first time in the recent United Nations Charter, declared at a session held with participation of representatives from developing and developed countries, the chairmen of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and the Secretary-General of UNCTAD, developed countries have been called upon to help the countries of the Third World participate in the growth and promotion of this industry in the world, and to take part in poverty alleviation in these countries through supplying necessary facilities and investments. Given that Iran is one of the top ten countries in terms of tourist attractions, and this industry can replace the oil-based one-product economy of Iran, solutions to the challenges of this industry in the country and its improvement should be in the agenda of related organizations. It is hoped that the issues discussed in this paper and the suggestions and conclusions obtained act as a strategy for development of tourism in the country.