Iran 'safe and sound for world tourists'... and their money

Apparently Press TV is being used to gain tourism investors for the country. In typical international broadcasting, public diplomacy fashion, Iran opens its arms to tourism investors by posting a slew of tourism related stories in order to let people know that Iran is safe and sound for world tourists'... and their money.

“Besides the financial revenue stemming from the industry, tourism can fundamentally change the perspective of humankind from a tribal to a global view," says Iran's president.

The deputy head of Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization announced that Iran is one of the most secure places in the world for tourists.

"Unfortunately, the Western media publishes negative propaganda against Iran and works to present an untrue image of the country," said Hamid Baqaei.

He called on tourists to travel to Iran so that they may "personally witness the level of security."

What caught my eye, was a story about the number of South Koreans applying for tourist visas to Iran has quadrupled following The Glory of Persia traveling exhibit in Seoul. Another story stated that Iran experienced a 100-percent growth in foreign tourist arrivals until 2007.
It seems that at least Iran's cultural diplomacy is working.

Hollywood Delegation in Iran

                                                                                                                              

It seems that IRINN has failed to mention the visiting delegation of Hollywood actors and movie industry officials. This is even after an art advisor to Iranian Presdient Ahmadinejad spoke out about the delegation and requested an apology for films insulting to Iranians. After watching for any announcement of the visit or the request for an apology on IRINN, I came to the unfortunate conclusion that it will not be covered. A sad realization for a student of public diplomacy.

According to an AP article, "An adviser to Iran's presdient on Sunday demanded an apology from a teacm of visiting Hollywood actors and movie industry officals, incuding Annette Bening, saying films such as '300' and 'The Wrestler' were 'insulting' to Iranians. Without an apology, members of Iran's film industry should refuse to meet with representatives from the nine-member team, said Javad Shamaqdari, the art and cinema advisor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad." 

The article goes on to say: "Most ordinary Iranians were not aware of the visit since state radio and television did not widely report it. But those who had heard said they hoped it would improve relations between the two countries. 'The two countries have tried to wrestle in many ways,' said Mahrokh Razani, a self-described movie fan who said he found out about the trip on the Internet. 'I hope they can have better ties through movies.'" 

I think that the lack of coverage by IRINN displays the clear state line that the broadcaster walks. It is interesting, though, that the Iranian film industry and Hollywood delegation have met and carried on their meetings and seminars - even when Shamaqdari (art and cinema advisor to Ahmadinejad) said there should be an apology and and a refusal to meet. It reveals the inner complexities within Iran, such as the divergences between Iranians themselves and government rhetoric.

Furthermore, an interesting report on the "Iranian art boom" was recently shown on CNN on February 27, 2009 that discusses what's really going on in Iran's art scene: