In a step that is seen as simplifying for the currency exchange during the stay of international travellers, Iran plans to introduce a so called tourist card for greater convenience for foreign visitors and invigorating Iran’s tourism sector.
Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, notes that the introduction of the tourist card aims to demonstrate Iran’s commitment to strengthen the tourism industry as well as the cultural exchange, pointing to the so called “Nowruz zone” – encompassing culturally connected nations such as Azerbaijan – as a primary target market.
The card’s introduction should help overcome challenges tourist face due to the absence of streamlined currency exchange system and international credit card access and boost profits from Iran’s numerous tourist spots – 28 of which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list – including iconic mausoleums, churches, bazaars, madrasas, mosques, museums etc.
