Chinese tourist groups embark on first journeys post-pandemic

The first Chinese tourist group to Iran, after COVID-19 control was downgraded in China, embarked on their 10-day trip from Guangzhou, Guangdong province on Monday.

The group was fully booked half a day after the travel product was released, according to the GZL International Travel Service.

"We expect them to tell their story about Iran to friends and family when they come back to China and promote Iran attractions," said Hossein Darvishi, consul general of Iran in Guangzhou.

"In 2019, before the pandemic, around 9 million tourists visited Iran, and among them were many Chinese tourists. Chinese tourists are important for Iran and that is why the government canceled the visa for Chinese for 21-day stay in Iran from 2019 to facilitate traveling from China to Iran," he said.

Five Iran-bound tourist groups consisting of 143 members in total have been scheduled by GZL International Travel Service for next month.

Meanwhile, the first Chinese tourist groups to South Africa and Fiji post-pandemic are scheduled to start their journeys from Shenzhen in Guangdong and Hong Kong special administrative region on Tuesday and Saturday respectively.