IRNA � Holding 2017 Iran�s World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) Convention is in line with UN aims and is a factor to promote sustainable development, Head of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization said.
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Zahra Ahmadi made the remarks in the opening ceremony of 2017 WFTGA Convention which was held on Saturday in Tehran.

�The event with �IRAN; Friendly Faces, Open Arms, Ancient Cultures, Timeless Charms� as its motto, hosts world tour guides in 2017 which has been introduced by the United Nations as the year of tourism for sustainable development,� Ahmadi said.

�It's an opportunity for the world community to concentrate on developing tourism,� she said.

�Tourism as the biggest industry in the world is capable of providing various opportunities for all societies,� she added.

�In order to realize the aspirations of 2030 agenda, we should be able to help create jobs, sustainable development and move forward by taking advantage of developing tourism,� she said.

�The significant increase in number of foreign tourists in Iran in post-JCPOA era made world prestigious media introduce Iran as the first new destination for world tourists,� she said.

�By relying on its security, hospitality, ethnic diversity, low cost of services, unique historical and cultural attractions, 21 historical works in UNESCO and 360 fields of handicrafts, Iran remains to enjoy a unique stance in the world tourism,� she said.

2017 Iran�s World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) Convention with the attendance of about 500 tour guides from 40 world countries is underway in Tehran.