Rohani: Tourism Industry Can Bring About Peace, Friendship Among Nations

Tehran, Sept 30, IRNA – President Hassan Rohani says tourism is the most effective tool for general diplomacy and Iran is ready to host tourists. In a message to a seminar to appreciate services of tourism industry activists and agents, President Rohani underlined the key role of tourism in establishing relationship among nations, bringing close different cultures, identifying different ethnic groups, establishing peace and friendship and upgrading human knowledge and creating hope and joy among citizens. The message read that under conditions when Iran’s economy needs to use the asset of “hope” for vibrancy and growth, any efforts for using collective wisdom and prudence would be a breakthrough and praiseworthy. He added that the requisite for the country’s sustainable development is planning, management and optimal exploitation of resources. “One of the most important factors effective in national development with regards to its cultural and environmental capacity, is the tourism industry.” The president said while being profitable from economic points of view and in terms of job creation, tourism industry is able to safeguard national identity as well as cultural, economic, social and environmental sustainability. “In today’s world which suffers from extremism, war and violence, all thinkers should join hands and make endeavors for peace, stability and tranquility.” He noted that Iran’s offer to the UN General Assembly to initiate a world-side movement against violence and extremism can be a positive step towards convergence of all nations. Tourism industry, he added, can serve as a bridge for promotion of peaceful co-existence and engagement as well as mutual understanding of cultures, traditions, and eventually helping people attain tranquility./end