Skift - While the U.S. State Department has long issued strong advisories against traveling to Iran, leisure tourism from the U.S. and other countries has steadily grown in recent years. Now, however, angry rhetoric between the Trump administration and the Iranian government has some Americans reconsidering travel plans to Iran.

Despite the tensions, tour operators and travel mavens such as Rick Steves maintain that Iran is a safe and hospitable destination for travelers, Americans included. The available tours, which include everything from culinary themes to women-only sojourns, are intriguing options for travel advisors to recommend to clients looking for new cultural experiences.

Another emerging destination that has felt the impact of scary headlines is Sri Lanka, where tourism has taken a dive after the terrorist attacks in April. Now some travel advisors say interest in Sri Lanka looks to be getting back on track.

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