Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the global tourism industry, which is regarded as an economic pillar in many countries, is facing significant challenge here. Iran’s tourism industry was not organized from the very beginning, and the COVID-19 phenomenon made it worse.
“Nearly 30% of professional guides in the field of tourism have changed jobs and retired from this profession due to the crises that we have faced in the past few years, and also some support arrives too late, plus conflict between Plan and Budget Organization and the government, and people’s demands.”
The head of the Board of Directors of the Professional Associations of Tour Guides of Iran, Mohsen Haji Saeed, informed that a minimum of 30% of tour guides are abandoning this organization or migrating; a warning that if not supported by the government and authorities, will be a serious threat to the tourism industry and community.
To the question about decrease in the number of tours to Iran or inside Iran and activities in this industry, as a result of both domestic and international events, followed by the growing percentage, of unemployment and job changes in this industry over the past few years, Haji Saeed responded: “When a crisis becomes persistent and long-lasting, it should be expected that the activities of any industry will be affected and there will be unemployment, job change and migration.” The tourism industry has been confronted with numerous crises for nearly four years, and we can say that after this extended lapse it is only 4 months that this industry has been operational.
He further stated that although those guides who assist tourists from China, Russia and Arab countries, do not encounter significant obstacles, however, majority of these professional guides who are engaged in various forms of cultural tourism and are fluent in English and other European languages (such as German, Italian and French) have endured extremely difficult circumstances. This category comprises the majority of guides who have immigrated, lost their employment, or be forced to switch jobs. It is estimated that thirty percent of professional guides in the tourism industry have changed careers as a result of the crises we have experienced in recent years, as well ass the belated support measures, and pressure of government and public demand. These individuals have either migrated or quitted from this profession.
The dispute between the Plan and Budget Organization and the Social Security Organization has harmed the tour guides
Referring to the insurance status of these tour guides, the head of the board of directors of the professional associations of Iranian tour guides stated: Despite insistence and the fact that insurance for the guides was the only tangible government support for this trade, it has been revoked since the start of the year and the matter has not been resolved as of yet; this is allegedly due to the following: It appears that neither the Planning and Budgeting nor the Social Security Organization think tanks have produced any news of a correct decision; rather, they appear to be content with composing letters. Letter that cannot solve problems by themselves.
He further stated: “The issue of insurance for tour guides has almost been resolved, but there are differences between the plan and budget organization and social security that they have not been able to resolve yet.” Our credibility as tour guides has been harmed by the extant literature between these two organizations. There are approximately 2,000 tour guides that require insurance coverage. Approximately 1,500 of these guides have already obtained insurance; however, this year, a portion of them withdrew from coverage due to financial constraints associated with the premium. Perhaps as few as 10 percent of them are able to pay this amount, as 27 percent are unable to do so. As a result, we need assistance in this respect.
The 15th gathering of tour guides held after a gap of almost 4 years
Following a four-year absence, the 15th gathering of Iranian tour guides is scheduled to take place in Tehran on the 27th of Bahman 1402. In recent years, numerous tourism-related professional guides have left the country due to factors such as the decline in incoming tours and the spread of Covid-19.
Following his earlier remarks, Mohsen Haji Saeed proceeded to address the 15th gathering of tour guides. He recalled the reason behind the four year postponement of this gathering, which was held every year, for over 10 years and was very successful. From the year 1386 to 1397 (2007 upto 2019), on tourism day (in March every year) the tour guides would gather in a conference. But, the gathering that had been so well planned was abruptly cancelled a few days prior to the scheduled commencement in 1397 (2020) due to the outspread of COVID-19. In 2020/21, the conference was held virtually, for safety sake. In 2022, due to prolonged unemployment crisis and other social and political crises, again the conference was not held.
In response to an inquiry about the rationale behind the decision to convene this gathering in Tehran, he explained that while several provinces (North Khorasan, Qom, Alborz, among others) had expressed their interest in hosting the 15th meeting of Iranian tour guides, we ultimately decided to hold it in Tehran due to unfavorable provincial conditions, inadequate support from provincial authorities, and internal organizational issues within the provincial associations. Unlike previous years, when the gathering spanned multiple days and concluded with a closing ceremony, there will be only one ceremony this year. Separate online training courses will also be made available to attendees of the gathering on Esfand 1 and 2. The hyperlink to these courses will be distributed to all attendees of the meeting. A range of global issues will be addressed in these training courses, including the metaverse, artificial intelligence, and the knowledge required of guides who are new to this profession.
Establishing a network among tour guides to facilitate the exchange of information regarding newly operating tourist facilities, services, restaurants, and attractions; fostering unity among organization members through interpersonal communication; and familiarizing oneself with the points of interest of other municipalities and cities; One of the objectives of a gathering of Iranian tourism guides, as mentioned by Haji Saeed, is to emphasize the significance of preserving the environment and registering world heritage works, among other concerns that exist in the tourism and trade industries.
