We Must Introduce Gilan to the World with Its Civilizational Identity / Emphasis on the Effective Role of the Private Sector and Travel Agencies in Tourism Decision-Making

A specialized meeting of Gilan tourism industry activists with members of the province's professional association of travel service offices was held, stressing the need to redefine the sector's position.

According to the report of the Aria Heritage reporter, a joint and specialized meeting of Gilan tourism industry activists with the professional association of travel service offices of the province was held on the evening of Wednesday, October 22, 1405 with the focus on examining the challenges facing the tourism industry, strengthening synergy between trade unions and drawing a roadmap for the development of international markets.

In this meeting, the need to redefine the fundamental position of travel service offices in the tourism decision-making system was emphasized; A point of view that states that travel service offices should not only implement directives and upstream policies, but with the support of field experience, specialized knowledge and monitoring market developments, they should play a real and driving role in the formation of macro decisions and determining the path of tourism development. The essence of the activity of these specialized institutions is dynamism, creativity and transformation of tourism potentials into added value and sustainable economic opportunities.

Guilan; A destination beyond nature, with historical and civilizational authenticity

One of the main axes of this meeting was the need to transform the marketing approach and introduce the mega-destination of Gilan in the international arena. Activists and experts present at the meeting emphasized that although Gilan benefits from a unique climate and nature, it should not be introduced exclusively as a nature tourism destination; Rather, the ancient historical background, rich cultural heritage, rituals, authentic native traditions, architecture and valuable rural and urban textures, unique food culture and deep-rooted ways of life have turned this province into a multidimensional and distinct destination.

Based on this, the design and compilation of new advertising and marketing packages should go beyond the point introduction of attractions and create a deep and lasting experience for domestic and foreign tourists with a coherent narrative of historical identity. In the meantime, taking advantage of the capacity of hoteliers, complex owners, ecotourists and travel agencies is the golden key to shaping competitive tourism products.

synergy of professional organizations; The prerequisite of tourism diplomacy

Expansion of synergy between different elements of the private sector was discussed as the main prerequisite for diplomacy and international tourism marketing of the province. Creating a travel value chain through linking accommodation services, hospitality, transportation and professional guidance of tours will increase the longevity of tourists, improve the penetration rate in foreign markets and fair distribution of economic benefits in the tourism industry.

Prioritizing the Iraqi market and facilitating land entry tours

The basic organization of the target markets, with special emphasis on the "Iraq market", was one of the other key points of this meeting. Accurately understanding the behavioral characteristics, preferences and needs of the tourists of this country, formulating targeted introduction campaigns and facilitating logistics processes are among the strategies to enter this market. It was also emphasized the necessity of all-round support for land entry tours as one of the driving arms of the province's international tourism boom.

Removal of executive and tax obstacles of travel service offices

In the final part of this meeting, union issues and economic concerns of travel service offices were discussed and opinions were exchanged. Facilitating access to financial resources, pursuing support facilities to improve the operational capacity of offices, as well as the proposal of forming a specialized working group or entering into a contract with an experienced tax consulting company by the professional association, in order to protect the trade union rights of members and reduce implementation challenges, were approved.