Old civilization of Iran
Hamedan, the capital of the western province of Hamedan, is one of the few cities in the world which are the cradles of large civilizations, the city’s representative in Parliament told Iran Daily.
Hamid Reza Haji-babaei referred to the selection of the city as the Capital of Asia Tourism for 2018.
He said with its old history, rich civilization and tourism attractions, Hamedan as one of the oldest city of the world, is worthy of such designation.
Haji-babaei said the move shows the importance of the historical city of Hamedan in the world.
He noted that provincial officials should make extensive efforts to introduce the rich tourism potential and old civilization of Iran and Hamedan Province to people worldwide more than before during 2018.
Hamedan was proposed as the capital of Asian tourism by Mohammad Kazem Kholdi-nasab, the representative of Iran’s Cultural Heritage Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, during the gathering of high ranking officials and senior experts participated in the second tourism ministers’ meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) held at Siem Reap, Cambodia, in June 2017.
Describing the historical and tourism attractions of the city, he emphasized that Hamedan deserves to be selected as the tourism capital of Asia.
Finally, Ali Malmir, director general of Hamedan Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department announced in Oct. 2017 that Hamedan has been chosen as Asia’s Tourism Capital for 2018.
According to the provincial officials, Hamedan 2018 ceremonies and programs will be attended by representatives from 30 Asian countries and will be held in the city in July. It will provide suitable opportunity for the province to promote its attractions worldwide and boost its tourism sector.
Hamedan is also scheduled to host the meeting of affiliate members of the UN World Tourism Organization to be participated by 180 countries and 500 members.
Haji-babaei said the selection of Hamedan as Asia’s tourism capital would help improve the standing of Iran in international tourism arena and boost economy and business environment of the country.
The MP said introducing the capabilities of Hamedan to worldwide people would help increase the number of foreign travelers arriving in Hamedan and other parts of the country.
“Holding various tourism events in Hamedan during 2018 would also draw the larger number of domestic visitors to the city and province,” he said.