Contemporary Situation and Problems in Tourism Industry of Islamic Republic of Iran
H. M. Zendehdel

Abstract
Development of tourism industry plays significant role in improvement of services, increase of employment, and rational use of natural- geographic condition as well as resources of territories. Tourism industry contributes to improvement of structure of cities’ economy, allowing growth of role of tertiary sector in urban areas. Development of tourism industry also necessitates creation of corresponding base of legislature for successfully attracting tourist flows; rendering high-level touristic service; training of qualified personnel; and creation of needed infrastructure. Islamic Republic of Iran has relatively less-developed tourism industry in spite of existing great potential for development of recreational business in this country. There are many attractive natural and geographic objects of recreational significance as well as rich heritage of cultural and historical monuments in Iran. However, the country does not effectively and completely take benefit of this large potential. This paper deals with the study of contemporary situation and challenges in development of tourism industry of IR of Iran.

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