Iranian minister to UNWTO chief: Tourism makes biggest contribution to int’l solidarity

Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Ezzatollah Zarghami underlined the defining role of tourism in creating unity among people throughout the world.

The top Iranian official made the remarks in a meeting with Zurab Pololikashvili, the Georgian secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), during the Fitur: International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, Spain, on Thursday.

“Today, tourism is the most influential means to promote and foster solidarity among nations, clearing the negative views and paving the way for friendship throughout the world,” said the Iranian minister.

UNWTO chief, for his part, described Iran as “one of main tourism hubs in the world owing to its multi-cultural nature and various capacities.”

“Iran, due to its high status in tourism and handicrafts sectors, could play a major role in helping the UNWTO fulfill its objectives and proceed with its future plans,” added Pololikashvili.

“I’m sure this meeting will spur the future collaboration [between UNWTO and Iran],” said the UN official.