Iran’s Travel Agencies Suffer $5m Loss From 12-Day War

TEHRAN (Iran News) According to a statement from the Public Relations Office of Iranian Air Travel Agencies, Hormatollah Rafiei, President of the Iranian Association of Air Travel and Tourism Agencies, said a report detailing the damages has been submitted. “During the 12-day war targeting Iran, difficult circumstances prevailed. While the public once again showed resilience, many travel intermediaries have yet to return travelers’ money to agencies, preventing refunds to customers.”

Rafiei called on regulatory bodies to pressure airlines and hotels to promptly return funds to the travel offices that had purchased their services. “Many airlines still owe money to the agencies. Not only have they failed to return the funds, but some airlines even claimed 10 days ago that they had refunded 80% of the money — which is simply not true,” he stated.

He also addressed airline claims that refunds had been issued to online ticketing platforms, through which some travel agencies had purchased services. “Even if those claims are valid, we have not yet received any actual payments from these platforms to return to our customers,” Rafiei said.

Rafiei emphasized the need for the Ministry of Cultural Heritage to immediately form a committee to address citizens’ rights, noting the immense strain placed on travel agencies. “The industry has lost its energy and incurred severe financial damage. Summer travel planning has collapsed, wiping out months of effort.”

“In the 25 days since the war began, travel agencies have suffered more than 20 trillion rials in damages. Even now, with the war over, more than 60% of flights remain suspended, and tourism activity is at 10% of normal levels,” Rafiei warned.”Iran’s Travel ”

He added that if no solution is implemented, the current 20 trillion rial loss could escalate to 40 trillion or even 100 trillion rials.

In closing, Rafiei urged the media to responsibly report the realities facing Iran’s tourism industry. “It’s the media’s duty to preserve their independence and report the truth. Only then can decision-makers act based on real conditions and help restore the rights of citizens and revitalize the tourism sector.”