Lebanon calls for high-level ties with Iran in tourism

Kadanian, made the remarks in recent interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), ahead of his visit to Iran expected to take place on Sunday.

He is due in Tehran following an official invitation by Zahra Ahmadipour, Vice President and Head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.

'I hope my trip to Tehran will open the way for Lebanon and Iran to strengthen tourism relations,' Kadanian said.

“Iran and Lebanon can establish high-level tourism relations,” he said, adding that he remains to be quite optimistic regarding the cooperation and encouragement on the Iranian side.

“Mohammad Fathali, Iranian envoy to Beirut, has also emphasized that the Iranian government is quite eager to enhance tourism ties with Lebanon,” he said.

The Lebanese minister of tourism also said the situation of tourism is improving in Lebanon.

Following a period of recession in Lebanon’s tourism industry in the wake of the crisis in Syria, as well as two years and a half of presidential void in the country and ups and down in ties with some Persian Gulf Arab littoral states, the industry is gradually improving and thriving, Kadanian said.

Lebanon’s Tourism Ministry is going to offer special packages to encourage Iranian and Arab tourists to visit the country, he said.

“Our main goal is turning Lebanon into the first tourist destination in the region,” he said.

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