All eyes on Iran’s market
With an annual visitor target of 20 million by 2025, Iran is set to become one of the region’s most lucrative hotel markets, according to the Cristal Group of Hotels.
ollowing the recent agreement with international negotiators on capping nuclear capacity, trade and financial sanction are due to be lifted in 2016, paving the way for expansion of the country’s infrastructure and industrial base,” says Peter Blackburn, President and CEO, Cristal Group. A huge influx of business traffic has already been into Iran which has underlined the lack of accommodation in the capital Tehran that has an estimated 100 hotels, many of which are in need of renovation.
“There has already been talk of an investment of US$185bn in oil and gas projects, as well as further development of the country’s metals and automotive industries, while general trade is certain to rise which will give a tremendous boost to the region, and Dubai as a major hub,” he added.
“Hospitality has moved on in recent years and international travellers expect a certain level of service, product and communications which are currently lacking in Iran,” says Blackburn.
“Importing the services of experienced hotel operators who have a knowledge of the region will enable Iran’s hotel sector to up its game in the short-term and this is where we see a role for Cristal Hotels, working with partners in the country,” he emphasizes.
In addition to the business interests, there is a considerable demand for Iran as a new tourism destination. Hence has potential to grow in all sectors in the country, taking advantage of new financial incentives as well as the transformation of the image of Iran in global markets. The group operates hotels in Iraq, Lebanon and the UAE, with further properties under development and negotiation in Saudi Arabia, Kurdistan and Turkey, and Iran