Arab: Qom Must Earn a Worthy Place in Iranian Travel Plans

Qom – The Vice Chairman of the Tourism Commission of Iran's Chamber of Commerce said marketing development, investor support and stronger infrastructure are essential to elevating Qom's place in Iranian travel plans and attracting foreign tourists.

According to Mehr reporter, Shahab Ali Arab on Tuesday evening at the tourism conference of Qom province, referring to the historical, religious, cultural and economic capacities of Qom, said: This province has the ability to become one of the important tourism hubs of the country with its ancient civilization background, strategic geographical location and diverse attractions.

Stating that Qom tourism should not be limited to pilgrimage, he added: The Holy Shrine of Fatima Masoumeh (PBUH) and the Jamkaran Holy Mosque are among the most important attractions of this province, but along with these religious capacities, historical heritage, local culture, handicrafts and economic capabilities can also play a role in the development of tourism.

Referring to the historical background of the Qom Chamber of Commerce, the head of the Tourism Commission of the Qom Chamber of Commerce said: Qom has an ancient civilization, and its location on the Silk Road, the presence of historical caravanserais and valuable cultural works, are part of the capacity of this province to attract tourists.

Referring to the position of Dirgchin caravanserai as the only work of world registration in Qom province, Arab emphasized the necessity of wider introduction of the historical attractions of this region and added: the set of capacities of Qom can be a platform for the development of different types of tourism and increase the attractiveness of this province for domestic and foreign tourists.

Investment security is a condition for tourism development

Emphasizing the role of investment in the advancement of Qom's tourism projects, he said: the realization of the development goals of the province requires the active presence of investors, and this will not be possible without creating economic security, stability in decisions and providing a suitable environment for private sector activity.

Referring to the necessity of maintaining the trust of economic activists, the Vice-Chairman of the Tourism Commission of the Iran Chamber stated: publishing stressful news, putting pressure on investors and managers, and unprofessional behavior in the decision-making process can damage the business environment and reduce investment motivation.

Arab considered maintaining the professional status of economic activists and providing stable conditions for the implementation of projects as requirements for development and added: Any action that weakens trust and uncertainty in the economic environment can cause difficulties in the process of attracting capital and implementing development programs.

Referring to the difficult conditions of tourism complexes in critical periods, he said: the activists of this industry showed their support and responsibility by providing services to the victims of war in difficult days and during the war, and it is expected that the government agencies, understanding the conditions of these complexes, will provide them with the necessary support.

Qom needs tourism marketing

The head of the Tourism Commission of the Qom Chamber of Commerce considered the development of marketing and facilitation of travel to this province as one of the important needs of the tourism industry and stated: Qom should be present more than in the past in the introduction programs of tourist destinations and its capacities should be introduced in such a way that it finds a worthy place in the travel plans of Iranians and foreign tourists.

Referring to the cultural and historical capacities of the province, Arab added: The establishment of the country's first public museum in Qom and the start of the construction of the second museum in this city after about 90 years are among the events that emphasize the importance of cultural heritage and the necessity of developing infrastructure related to it.

He also pointed to the registration of Qom as the third national city of handicrafts in the country after Isfahan and Shiraz and stated: This position doubles the necessity of supporting artists and creating a link between handicraft products and the chain of tourism services.

The vice-chairman of the tourism commission of the Iran Chamber considered the assignment of Qom airport as one of the other important issues in the development of the tourism infrastructure of the province and added: the follow-ups for this project are followed with the support of the governor of Qom, and its completion can improve air access to the province and be effective in the development of tourism.

Funding strengthens infrastructure

Referring to the financing process for Qom's tourism projects, Arab said: In the past year, the financing process for the infrastructure of this sector has been improving, and the continuation of this trend can help advance the projects and increase the tourism capacities of the province.

Appreciating the support of the Governor of Qom and the follow-ups of the Director General of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of the province, he said: The attention of the provincial administration to the development of tourism and cooperation with the activists of this field has provided a more favorable ground for advancing the programs and strengthening the required infrastructure.

The head of the Tourism Commission of the Qom Chamber of Commerce emphasized the necessity of cooperation between the government, the provincial administration and the private sector, and noted: Synergy between executive bodies and economic activists can provide the basis for more effective exploitation of the historical, cultural, religious and economic capacities of Qom and pave the way for the transformation of this province from a place of pilgrimage to a lasting destination for tourists.