Iran says number of foreign tourists surges
Iran's top tourism official says the number of foreigners visiting the country has jumped dramatically over the 12-month period ending in March, with 35 percent more tourists compared to the same period a year earlier.
Masoud Soltanifar said on state TV Saturday that the thriving industry could help boost Iran's economy out of recession and bring in much-needed hard currency. He said the 4.5 million foreign tourists that came to the Islamic Republic over the period brought in some $6 billion in revenue.
