The Islamic Republic of Iran, in close cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, will stage an International Conference on Tourism and Handicrafts…
The Islamic Republic of Iran, in close cooperation with the World Tourism Organization, will stage an International Conference on Tourism and Handicrafts from 7 – 9 November 2005 in the capital Tehran to highlight the importance handicrafts have for tourism.
During an official meeting between WTO`s Secretary-General, Mr. Francesco Frangialli and H.E. Mr. Seyed Hossein Maraashi, the Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and President of Iran Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization, (ICHTO), the two leaders agreed that the importance of handicrafts needs to be fully recognized and developed in tourism not just for Iran but for the benefit of all countries concerned.
Tourists cannot be totally satisfied without buying quality souvenirs in a host country. Yet, the linkage between handicrafts and souvenirs is not properly defined in many tourist destinations. Thus lucrative opportunities to earn valuable foreign exchange currency are lost as well as the promotion of the host destination.
The main objectives of this conference are to demonstrate how to produce quality handicrafts and market them in an efficient manner; the production of good quality handicrafts to serve the generating tourist markets as well as the local tourist industry; the marketing and promotion of handicrafts among tourists, the tourism industry and beyond; and the inclusion of handicrafts in the international tourism promotion of tourist destinations.
Internationally renowned experts from WTO member States, international organizations and private sector representatives in handicrafts will be invited to provide the maximum synergy for the conference. These will deliver presentations on the importance of local handicrafts in tourism development, employment creation, income generation and poverty alleviation opportunities. They will also examine successful case studies on production and marketing practices of tourism-related handicrafts and draw lessons from them.
All members of WTO, international and regional organizations as well as other governmental bodies in charge of culture and handicrafts are cordially invited to participate actively in and contribute to this important conference. Non-member countries of WTO are also invited. International journalists will be invited to join the technical handicraft press trip and will attend a press conference which will be held as part of the conference program.
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