New Rules for Nowruz

As spring and the Persian New Year approach, the government has announced tough new measures for Iranian and foreign tourists traveling over the holiday period.

The new regulations, issued by the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Tehran, emphasize the importance of “strict and rigorous observation of Islamic values”, particularly because this year’s Nowruz celebrations coincide with the annual commemoration of the death of Fatima, the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter.

New rules include a ban on the sale of concert tickets and stricter guidelines for foreign visitors. Tourists will be urged to visit sites that promote and respect “Islamic Iranian cultural values” and avoid places that do not.

According to the Sobhaneh website, the new regulations are aimed at travel agencies that organize trips for Iranians wishing to attend music concerts in neighboring countries. The organization warned agencies that they should not sell travel packages for concerts by popular Iranian singers “living In Los Angeles” and playing concerts in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Azerbaijan over the Nowruz period.  

In a statement issued and signed by its director, Rajabali Khosroabadi, the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization said “advertising or offering services that conflict with Islamic values is strictly forbidden.” It added that relevant authorities would be instructed to deal with individuals or companies that failed to adhere to the guidelines.

The government organization sent details of the new regulations to all travel agencies in Tehran, issuing instructions for employees and their personnel to honor and observe Islamic values and shun “any conduct that is against the dignity of the Islamic Republic and the Muslim population of the country.”

Read the original article in Persian