We are living in an ever more globalized world and , in its own way , Iran has been trying to spice up its economy , even given all the many regional and global sensitivities and challenges .
It has done relatively well , when compared to most of its neighboring countries , for example in terms of infrastructure , education , health , security and transportation .
Iran is home to 9 % of the world ’ s proven oil reserves and of 15 % of its natural gas reserves . It is also a significant regional player in the mining , agricultural and forest sectors .
Geographically , it is 2.4x the size of Texas , almost 4x bigger than California or , in European standards , 4.6x the size of Germany .
Of its more than 80 million population , almost 2 / 3 are now under 40 and most boast college degrees .
Culturally , it is a proud and vibrant nation , with millennia of storytelling . Gastronomically , it is very diversified and rich .
Tehran , the capital , is a metropolis with over 15 million inhabitants . Most 2nd and 3rd tier cities have several million inhabitants too .
McKinsey called it the “ 1 trillion dollar opportunity ” in a recent research paper that went viral in the business world .
The IMF predicts a 4 % plus GDP growth over the next few years , with inflation close to 10 %, interest rates around 15 % and unemployment rate also in the vicinity of 10 %.
In terms of tourism positioning , the country markets itself under “ The Land of Four Seasons ” claim , as it is one of the few countries in the world where you can experience the four seasons of the year all at the same time . From the sea and sun of the Persian Gulf to the deserts of the center , to the rains and mist of the north amidst the beauties of the Caspian Sea shorelines , including snow and ski resorts right outside of town in Tehran .
Forbes magazine and Conde Nast Traveler recently positioned the country in its Top 10 must-see destinations .
There is a huge domestic tourism market , with around 35 million visits per year . Domestic airline market is also pretty significant . Iranians love their country and travel abundantly all over and around it .
As to international tourist arrivals , they are but a fraction of the country ’ s potential . Despite its visa-on-arrival policy for more than 170 countries and its welcoming culture , Iran welcomes at this point in time a mere 5 million tourists , most of them corporate .
This is a challenge … and also an opportunity !
The hotel sector is somehow peculiar . There are a lot of private domestic players , but still relatively small in scale . No critical mass . Great potential for efficiency gains , synergies , economies of scale . The most preeminent brands are still government-owned .
There is a buzz in the local media that a large-scale privatization move may be underway , which pauses a significant opportunity both for domestic and international players .
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The government is also privatizing heritage assets ( more than 1000 …!) throughout the country , to be converted into small boutique hotels and restaurants .