Iran tourism to grow in 2014?

Iran's tourism industry is set to grow in 2014, according to tour operators, who have seen bookings increase 80 per cent this year.

The Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to most of the country, with even more severe warnings for areas near the border, but sentiment is positive for 2014, with many expecting the FCO to relax its restrictions.

Indeed, adventure operator Wild Frontiers had no full bookings in 2013 but has already seen nine group tourst sold out in 2014.

Jim O’Brien, head of development at Tailor-madeadventures.com, told The Telegraph: "Thirty-five years ago, Iran dropped off the tourist map, becoming the preserve of a few hardcore independent travellers and those in organised groups. Since the election of Hassan Rouhani as president last August, however, and a thawing in political relations with the west, it seems that Iran is returning to travellers' bucket lists with a bang."