FIFA World Cup in Qatar, an opportunity to face “Iranophobia”: Iranian Dy Tourism Min
The 2022 FIFA World Cup would be a great opportunity to show Iran’s true face by working to reduce the anti-Iranian perspective, according to Iran’s deputy tourism minister. The 2022 FIFA World Cup will be held in Qatar from 21 November to 18 December 2022. The quadrennial international men’s football championship, contested by the national teams of FIFA member countries, will be held for the 22nd time. It will be the first World Cup ever to be held in an Arab country. The Times of Tehran reported, according to the official, to make the most of this opportunity, unanimity between different agencies is required, and failure to do so will be detrimental to the country.
Ali-Asghar Shalbafian, Iranian Deputy Minister of Tourism, was quoted by ILNA on Monday as saying: “The World Cup in Qatar offers a unique opportunity to showcase destinations close to the host country, and we should take this opportunity. to fight against iranophobia ”.
He further stressed that the exposure of World Cup viewers to Iran and its unique tourist attractions should be a priority. However, he said the country’s tourism infrastructure needs to be developed. In October, an official said the Islamic Republic of Iran should use the 2022 World Cup as an important opportunity to market its unique holiday attractions. Iran’s geographic location and distinctive tourist attractions make it a possible venue for the World Cup, according to the official.
Iranian tourism industry to benefit from Qatar World Cup
Earlier in November, the president of the Kish Hotel Association said that the Iranian island of Kish in the Persian Gulf is ready to welcome both spectators and participating teams in the Qatar World Cup. Shalbafian said that due to Kish’s proximity to Qatar and the lower cost of staying on the island, spectators and teams will be able to stay here during the World Cup. Some experts believe that once the coronavirus is contained, Iran will experience a travel boom, believing that its influence will be transient and fleeting for a country that was ranked the third fastest growing tourist destination in 2019.
Therefore, he noted, good policy making and administration in partnership with the business sector can pave the way for wider use of this event. The increase in the number of flights between Iran and Qatar during the event, which will take place from November 21 to December 18, 2022, as well as the presentation and promotion of the country’s tourism specifics to spectators of this event, he noted, are on the right track. The agenda of the Iranian Ministry of Tourism.