Ali-Asghar Munesan pointed out the presence of tour operators in Iran, stating: “The diversity of our international events involving cultural heritage and tourism, and positive developments in tourism in Iran over the past two years have been indicative of the continued growth of this industry in the country regardless of sanctions.”

He added: “The 40th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Affiliate Members Plenary Session will be held in Hamedan 12-14 November 2018 despite the reimposition of sanctions against Iran, indicating the uselessness of these sanctions by the US and its allies.

He emphasized that the sanctioning countries cannot ban the attractions and goodness of Iran and bar tourists from enjoying these, adding: “The unilateral, cruel US sanctions have not been effective against the splendor of Iranian culture and tourism attractions. Sanctions have not been an obstacle on the path and will of tourists to visit our 7000-year old land. Not only have their numbers not decreased, they have risen contrary to expectations.”

He went on to say: “The Tabriz 2018 event, the celebrations of Iran’s Unesco registrations, exquisite exhibitions of other countries’ cultural heritage in Iran, the Hamedan 2018 event, and the summit which will take place 12-14 November in this city with UNTWO affiliated members all show that the tourism industry and tourists have not accepted US sanctions against Iran.”