Mashhad, Feb 13, IRNA � Secretary General of UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Taleb Rifai said here Friday both Iran and UNWTO are determined to boost the Iranian tourism industry and have a joint special plan for the purpose.
�The UN tourism official made the comment during a visit of the internationally renowned Iranian poet Firdausi's tomb in Tous District of the northeastern holy Mashhad City in a press conference, adding that Mashhad is quite an attractive city rich with lots of cultural monuments.


'I believe Mashhad is the beating heart of Iran,' he added.

Mr. Rifai also said he believed that the Iranian culture and literature have taken shape in Mashhad.

'I wished representatives from all world nations were accompanying me in this visit to enjoy the historical attractions of Iran, and particularly the tourism attractions of Mashhad,' he added.

Rifai said that the UNWTO is ready to use all its capacities to introduce Iran to the world nations.

He said that in addition to using the electronic means, such as the UNWTO website, for boosting the Iranian tourism attractions there are the live addresses and the international conferences that can be employed for the purpose.

'Unfortunately the world nations are not properly informed about the tourism attractions of Iran and we must use various means to make up for that deficiency,' he said.

The UNWTO chief also praised the appropriate development of the Iranian tourism infrastructures during the past three decades and said that the tourism industry is a good means for promoting peace and friendship cultural around the globe.

By IRNA