IRNA � About 7.8 million tourists traveled to Iran in the past Iranian year, ended on March 20, 2019, registering 52.5 percent growth compared to last year�s corresponding period which was 5.1 million tourists.

Deputy head of Iran�s Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization Vali Teimouri said yesterday at the fifth ECO-Silk Road Food Festival in Zanjan.

The foreign tourists usually come from neighboring countries, European countries and even American countries, Teimouri added.

Teimouri said that these festivals are excellent opportunities for foreign tourists to become familiar with tourism potentials, cultural diversity and the history of different cities.

Ambassadors of 19 countries including Greece, Austria, Croatia and Kazakhstan are currently in Zanjan to take part in the Fifth ECO-Silk Road Food Festival, IRNA reported.

Iran has one of the largest resource bases for cultural, natural and historical sites in the world and is among the leading countries in the world in terms of its potential for attracting foreign tourists.

The tendency among Muslims of the world to travel to Iran as pilgrims, pay a visit to the holy shrines and also enjoy its natural resources provide a suitable basis for attracting fellow Muslims to visit Iran.

On an intangible level, Iranian people are famous for their hospitality and all those who visit Iran appreciate.