Search

Nowadays, tourism is considered as a profitable and job-making indus- try and one of the largest sections of the global economy. This designation indi- cates its importance and eminent position in economy and international relations. Aside from economic aspects, tourism has got extensive social and cultural as- pects, as well. This industry can play a significant role in easing the tensions and establishing world peace and security as one of the solutions of development in the modern world and a factor for increasing international interactions, dialog of cul- tures and civilizations and also as a political motive for development. In the present paper, the role of tourism in the development of international relations has been in- vestigated. Investigating and analyzing the state of the tourism industry in Iran and reviewing its opportunities and challenges in the international and regional level shows us the very poor performance of tourism in our country even as compared to the Islamic countries. Its most important challenges include the weakness of tour- ism-related infrastructures, the lack of investment, the insufficiency of the policies and strategies, lack of stability in the economic plans and the lack of diplomatic re- lations with other countries