Visa-free travel for tour groups, established by Iran and Russia, will lead to the growth of tourist inflow, Iranian Consul General Ali Mohammadi told TASS. According to him, in 2017, more than 150,000 Iranians may visit Russia.

Moscow and Tehran signed a visa-free travel agreement concerning tour groups on March 28, 2017, during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Russia. On June 25, the Iranian government adopted a relevant directive.

"Last year, more than 120,000 Iranian tourists visited Russia, so I believe that this year, the number will exceed 150,000," Mohammadi said. "We hope that the Russian tourist inflow to our country will also grow," he pointed out. "This will happen when people know more about Iran’s culture, its civilization, opportunities and safe environment. However, at present, the number of Russians visiting Iran is less when compared to the number of Iranian tourists," the Iranian diplomat added.

According to him, Iran is on the top-10 list as far as the number of tourists visiting Russia goes. Iranians particularly like Moscow and St. Petersburg.

"In summer, it is too hot in Iran, while there [in Moscow and St. Petersburg] the weather is nice. Besides, Iranians take much interest in unique historic landmarks, including the Red Square in Moscow and the rivers of St. Petersburg," Mohammadi went on to say. "People in Iran always say they wish to see the white nights in St. Petersburg, they always ask questions about it," the Iranian consul general noted.

He was confident that in the near future, other Russian regions would also attract Iranian tourists’ attention.