How tourism in Iran blossomed after the nuclear deal – and what the future holds for the fragile industry.

Isfahan is one of the most popular destinations
for tourists visiting Iran CREDIT: GETTY

In 2016, as an indication of confidence in the renewed harmony between the West and Iran, three of Europe’s most prestigious airlines returned to the Middle Eastern country’s capital Tehran.

The resumption of direct flights by British Airways, Air France and KLM, from London, Paris and Amsterdam, followed the lifting of a number of sanctions against Iran in the wake of a groundbreaking nuclear deal spearheaded by Barack Obama.

BA said Tehran, which had not been visited by the British flag carrier after 2012, represented an “important destination” for the airline. The blurb on its website says of the city: “Tehran is a bustling metropolis with a large, friendly population. Iran is a beautiful place, and Persians are a welcoming and hospitable people, with an ancient culture and rich heritage that deserves to be explored.”

By Hugh Morris.

Full story at The Telegraph.