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November 09, 2006
Iran Offers Bounty for American . . . Tourists; We're Worth Twice Others!
Iran wants more American tourists. And it's willing to pay travel agents a $20 bounty for every US citizen it sends its way.
Even as the US and Iran lock horns over Iran's nuclear program, apparently the Islamic republic appreciates how much money tourism can generate. And Americans are traditionally among the most free spending of travelers abroad. The offer to pay an incentive for more American visitors is apparently a bid by Iran to show its dispute with the US is with the American government, not its citizens.
Not long ago, the Iranian president proposed resuming air service between the US and Iran. Direct flights were discontinued 25 years ago, and the two countries haven't had full diplomatic relations since Iranian militants stormed and occupied the US embassy in Tehran in 1979 and held Americans hostage for months.
How valuable are American tourists compared to visitors from other countries?
The bounty for travel agents sending citizens from other countries to Iran is only $10.
Posted by Rudy Maxa in Late-Breaking News | Permalink
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Comments
I have a question rather than a comment. My wife and I are planning a trip to Autralia in late April 2007, is it better to book the flights right now or wait and hope the rates may come down a little?
Thank you,
Jim
Posted by: Jim Gay | Jan 4, 2007 10:32:47 PM
Jim: Ah, the age-old question of when to buy a ticket! There's no sure way of knowing when the best time to buy a ticket is, but I'd buy one now for spring travel to Australia. As you know, generally speaking, the cost of an airline ticket on any particular flight rises as more seats are sold. For that reason alone, I'd buy now. If the airline you're considering happens to launch a big sale to Australia after you purchase your ticket, apply for a refund on the difference between the sale price and what you paid. But remember, you must still meeet all restrictions in order to qualify for a lower-priced ticket, and you may be assessed a change fee of as much as $100 per ticket. --Rudy
Posted by: Rudy Maxa | Jan 6, 2007 12:18:32 PM
