Iran and Turkey, as neighbors, have good cooperation in tourism area. The volume of tourist exchanges increased during the last recent years, Iran and Turkish governments set suitable situations to fulfil that. Embassies of course play an important role in tourism area.
Mehmet Taskin, Turkish Embassy Cultural Advisor is a person who is interested in upgrading tourism relations with Iran.
According to him Turkish and Iranian share traditions and by considering the culture, history, and Iranian civilization, Turkish people are willing to travel to Iran.
During his visit of 13th International Tourism Fair and 33rd National Handicrafts Exhibition, the public relation of the above name had an interview with him.
How long have you been living in Iran and how far do you know Iran?
About two years and this is the third time I’m visiting this exhibition.
What is your point of view about combine tours between Konya in Turkey and khoy in Iran?
We don’t have this kind of tour right now but it is possible after meetings with Iranian Authorities.
How do you see the future of this project?
I always said that in the heart of each Turkish citizen there exist a Shiraz, Isfahan and Tabriz. They have it in their mind, but Iran should do something and attract Turkish tourists.
What do you think about combined tour between Turkey and Iran?
This certainly needs cooperation between two countries. tourism in Turkey is regional and each tour consist of different places, it could be applied to two countries as well.
At your point of view, do the recent political issues in middle east have an impact on our tourism industry?
These kinds of events always affect tourism in middle east, but the important issue is economy. Tourism can be priority for people if their economic situation will be good or it can be omitted if not. Tourism can show people Livelihood situation.
How far can you visit Iran’s historic places?
It always is in my schedule. I have seen cities like Kashan, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tabriz, and I hope I will visit some other places till the end of my mission in Iran.