According to the Public Relations and International Affairs of the Kish Free Zone Organization, Masihollah Safa at the ceremony commemorating World Tourism Day, Sunday, 5 Mehr 1405, while congratulating tourism industry activists on this day, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Mohammad Kabiri, CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization, and the organization's Tourism Deputy.
Referring to the role of tourism in bringing cultures and nations closer, he said: In addition to cultural and social effects, this industry can play an effective role in creating income, employment, and economic development of countries.
Safa, referring to the experience of successful countries in tourism development, stated: Supporting investors, providing necessary infrastructure, and offering facilities are among the factors that create the ground for the growth of the tourism and hotel industry.
Referring to Turkey's experience, he added: Targeted support for investment in the tourism sector has caused this industry to become one of the important economic sectors of that country and to gain a significant position in the global tourism market.
The veteran of Kish tourism and hospitality, thanking the CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization for his efforts, said: We have witnessed the organization's management pursuing the island's growth and the realization of the rightful demands of the people and investors in various agencies, and part of these follow-ups have also borne fruit.
Referring to the experience of Kish tourism activists in recent years, he said: The private sector at various times, from the Corona period to wartime conditions, by retaining human resources and continuing the activities of the establishments, has played an effective role in the sustainability of the island's tourism industry.
Emphasis on implementing supportive commitments
Safa, emphasizing the necessity of practical support for tourism industry activists, said: The private sector expects that the promised and planned supportive commitments be implemented in accordance with existing conditions, and if there is a change in how they are executed, the matter should be declared transparently.
Referring to the support packages envisaged for businesses, he said: The tourism industry, especially in Kish, is one of the island's important economic and employment-generating sectors, and implementing the considered supports can help continue the operations of establishments and preserve the capacities of this sector.
Safa stated that about 6,700 people are directly employed in Kish's hotel industry, and added: In total nearly 17,000 people are employed directly and indirectly in the island's tourism industry, and attention to insurance and employment support for this sector can help strengthen the sustainability of human resources in the tourism industry.
He continued: Some hoteliers have tried to maintain their establishments' operations under various conditions by retaining staff and providing needs such as accommodation and food, and the cooperation of responsible agencies can strengthen this trend.
Safa also, referring to commitments related to employees' insurance, said: It is expected that the conditions of tourism establishments be taken into account in the manner of implementing obligations related to social security so that the groundwork for continuation of activity and preservation of employment is provided.
The need to pay attention to energy and fuel costs
The veteran of Kish tourism and hospitality, referring to energy and fuel costs, said: Hotels that use generators to supply electricity face significant costs, and examining this issue by the government, the Ministry of Petroleum, and responsible agencies can help the sustainability of these establishments' operations.
Addressing the CEO of the Kish Free Zone Organization, he said: We expect that by using capacities, connections, and managerial experience, the issue of implementing the government's commitments to the private tourism sector be pursued at the national level.
Safa expressed hope that with continued follow-ups and improved conditions, coinciding with Kish Day on 20 Aban, tourism industry activists, merchants, and traders of the island will continue their activities with more energy and vitality.