Tour Operators Watch Anxiously as Iran Threatens Reciprocal Bans

Tour operators who spent the last few years doing the tedious work of product development to establish tours to Iran may now see their efforts fall to dust as the Iranian government considers invoking reciprocity in response to Trump’s banning of Iranians entering America.

When the Obama administration reached a nuclear agreement with Iran in 2015, it signaled an opening for tour operators and the possibility that travel between the two countries would open more widely again. Now those hopes are fading.

“Yes, it is sad that once the borders have opened and people are starting to travel more into Iran that we will get this ban on Americans getting visas,” said Rita Zawaideh, owner of Caravan Serai, a Middle East tour specialist. “Right before Trump got elected people said, ‘We’ve got to go now since we are not sure what will happen when he takes power,’ and that is exactly what has happened. We’re getting cancellations since people have already been afraid of traveling into the region – moreso about flying back into the US. This will be worse than 9/11 for my office. We have four tours that are canceled at this time and are not sure how many more there will be.”

At the moment it is business as usual for travel to Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted that if the government moves to ban Americans from getting visas, those who already have visas will still be allowed to enter the country.

Operators of tours to Iran have notified clients that so far their visas will be honored.

“Intrepid Travel has not received cancellations and has advised passengers that U.S. travel to Iran is business as usual for now,” said a spokeswoman for Intrepid Travel. “Anyone with a valid Iranian visa (including U.S. citizens) should not have any concerns entering Iran.”

However, there may be changes underway.

“This could mean that Iran will stop issuing authorization codes for U.S. passengers,” said Weiss. “Travelers need an authorization code from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign affairs (MFA) to travel in Iran, which is something Intrepid Travel helps to facilitate. According to the Intrepid Travel team, Iran has been known to do this periodically for U.S. travelers without notice or official advice.”

Bob Drumm, president of Alexander + Roberts, forwarded a message from his chief contact in Iran to the effect that the visa process is continuing for now, and everyone concerned is waiting for an official announcement from the Iranian Ministry of Tourism, which is expected within the next three or four days.

The message from Alexander + Roberts’ Iran contact also included a personal note, saying that Iranians consider travelers the true representatives of their country and they do not judge a country based on the policies of its government.

“You have already been to Iran,” the message said, addressing Drumm personally, “and I think you witnessed that Iranians generally love Americans, and nothing would change this. Among all tourists, Americans are the most loved ones in Iran.”

Drumm assured clients of Alexander + Roberts who are planning to travel to Iran that visa processing is continuing at the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington.

“We recognize how disquieting these geopolitical developments can be,” wrote Drumm, “but I do respectfully request your patience over the balance of this week as things play out. Of course, we will refund all payments to us should our travel plans be interrupted.”

Abercrombie & Kent, which put its Treasures of Persia tour of Iran on the market last autumn, also promised its customers full refunds if they are prevented from traveling.

The issues raised by the banning of foreign nationals from entering the U.S. touched on broader open-border policies long sought by tour operators.

“It is simply too early to tell what the outcome is likely to be,” said Phil Otterson, president of A&K. “We remain committed to the belief that travel can change lives and attitudes, and most importantly, build bridges between peoples of different backgrounds. Since we announced Iran: Treasures of Persia last fall, we have had strong bookings from those who want to experience this fascinating country and its rich cultural heritage for themselves. Part of the mystique of Iran is that most Americans don’t know what to expect. From the archaeological sites, to the accommodations, to the fresh and delicious cuisine, you have the sense that you are witnessing a society on the cusp of change, a rare privilege.”

There is a sense of anxiety from tour operators that their industry is entering uncharted waters.

“As a tour operator celebrating 50 years in the industry and serving more than 56 countries, we’ve often dealt with the fallout the comes from internal and external political situations as it pertains to a given country or countries,” said Richard Krieger, president of The Isramworld Portfolio of Brands. “What we haven’t seen, at least not in recent memory, is a situation where an entire, international group of people is being targeted based on their country of origin and religion and being prevented from entering the United States.

“The potential impact on our industry could be so destructive that it’s our responsibility, regardless of political philosophies, to reassure our friends around the globe that they are welcome here, just as we wish to be welcomed abroad. American travelers are the greatest ambassadors for our country and it would a horrible blow to tourism if countries are forced to institute anti-American travel restrictions based on this administration’s executive order. We are hopeful that the administration does not extend this order beyond the 120 days outlined in the executive order and it appears that millions of Americans desire the same. "

James Phillips, president of Travel Bound, echoed the apprehension.

“Clearly, we’re in a moving situation right now,” he said, “but the cost of this action will, without doubt, be counterproductive. It will serve to penalize legitimate residents and travelers. It will also increase alienation, anger and resentment toward the U.S.”

Dan Austin, president of Austin Adventures, expressed concern over the long-term effects of the new wave of isolationist policies of the Trump administration, the effect on consumer confidence and the degree to which the policies could “derail international tourism.”

“There is no doubt it will have an effect,” said Austin, “and if you look hard, technically it already has with Iran. There is a pretty good list of mainstream tour operators working to open up Iran. And yesterday Iran came out and stated they are looking at banning U.S. Visas in a reciprocal move. And that is just the beginning. My thought is like a snowball all this will just keep building, so years of opening up travel (a key to promoting democracies) will be reined in, at least a bit.”

Gianni Miradoli, CEO of Central Holidays, expressed a sense that a chill has already descended on travel.

"Due to these immigration orders, we are already seeing and/or hearing of Americans cancelling their trips due to worries that they will not to be able to re-enter in the US," said Miradoli.

"Yesterday I flew back from Italy with Emirates from Milan and for the first time in the 25 years that I have lived in the US and traveled abroad, I found Immigration officers checking our passports at the end of the jet-way before arriving in the main hall where the immigration booths are located. Personally, I felt offended and not-welcomed in a country that has for centuries exemplified the American dream for many immigrants ... many who made America a great country. Today, it feels more like the American nightmare.”

 

 

 

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