Iran Pays Larger Incentives to Attract Western Tourists

Iran will soon be offering larger incentives to travel agencies that bring western tourists to the country. They will be paying a higher premium for American and European tourists.

The deputy head of Iran’s tourism department, Mohammed Sharif Malakzadeh, said, “Iran’s tourism department will pay $20 US per person to those who attract European or American tourists to the country.”

This new incentive program comes fast on the heels of new legislation in Iran that, if passed, would require the fingerprinting of all U.S. tourists upon entering the country.

Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, isn’t letting his anti-U.S. rhetoric get in the way of commerce. He’s opposed to the legislation and he is in favor of resuming direct commercial flights between Iran and the United States.

The incentive plan is an attempt by Iran to reach out to ordinary western citizens.