VOA标准英语2011--Iran Tourism Appeals to 'Adventure Trave

Iran Tourism Appeals to 'Adventure Travelers' - Part 2

A recent British opinion poll found Iran near the top of the list of countries people would "definitely not" visit. Yet nearly three million international visitors traveled to Iran last year, and the country is trying to widen the appeal of its tourism industry. Iran is attracting a type of tourist the industry calls "adventure travelers." They come mostly from Western nations in search of a unique experience, the kind they might not find in typical destinations like Paris or London.
To most Americans, Iran is an unlikely holiday destination. Fewer than 1,500 Americans visited Iran last year. So when Deborah Rogers, seen here in home video, vacationed in Iran last March, many of the people she met were surprised to see an actual American tourist.
"[Local Iranians were] surprised to see Americans and wondered why we came and what we thought," recalled Rogers. "That was their first question. 'Do you like it here?' "
The U.S. government does not prohibit its citizens from travelling to Iran, but it issues travel warnings about the risks of going there. American tourists like Rogers ignore the travel advisory¹. They're what the tourism industry calls "adventure travelers," a niche² group of international tourists who avoid typical tourist locations and seek out alternative destinations.
"I think it's always a special clientele that would consider going to Iran," noted³ Juergen Steinmetz who heads the American Iran Tourism Association, which encourages tourism trade between Iran and the U.S. "It's not the general tourist; it's not the tourist that may be worried that much about safety and travel warnings; it's sometimes maybe more an adventurist. It's cultural and also repeat tourism I think what is contributing to this."
Industry analysts⁴ say Iran is relaxing some of its visa requirements. There's even a visa-on-arrival policy in place now for numerous nationalities, including Americans, which allows visitors from arrival points like Dubai to Kish Island - a free trade zone in Iran, without securing a visa in advance.
Ken⁵ Fish runs a travel agency in New York City which regularly offer tours to Iran. He says there is still some anxiety associated with the destination but the fear disappears once travelers encounter Persian hospitality.
"I think what happens is there's this moment when they've remembered that they've forgotten to be afraid and how much they are really enjoying the destination," noted Fish. "And I think that just elevates their level of enjoyment⁶ that much more than they would from another destination."
A tour package to Iran can cost 4,000 dollars per person for ten days. American tour operators say about 70 percent of the money goes directly into Iran's local economies. But they add Iran will probably never be a "shopping destination" for tourists. Deborah Rogers spent only two hundred dollars on souvenirs in Iran - but regrets not doing more shopping there.
"God willing I'll go back again," said Rogers. "The second time I'll know what I'm doing in terms of wanting to live with Persian art in my midst."

1 advisory   

adj.劝告的，忠告的，顾问的，提供咨询

参考例句：

• I have worked in an advisory capacity with many hospitals.我曾在多家医院做过顾问工作。
• He was appointed to the advisory committee last month.他上个月获任命为顾问委员会委员。

2 niche   

n.壁龛；合适的职务(环境、位置等)

参考例句：

• Madeleine placed it carefully in the rocky niche. 玛德琳小心翼翼地把它放在岩石壁龛里。
• The really talented among women would always make their own niche.妇女中真正有才能的人总是各得其所。

3 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

4 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

5 ken   

n.视野，知识领域

参考例句：

• Such things are beyond my ken.我可不懂这些事。
• Abstract words are beyond the ken of children.抽象的言辞超出小孩所理解的范围.

6 enjoyment   

n.乐趣；享有；享用

参考例句：

• Your company adds to the enjoyment of our visit. 有您的陪同，我们这次访问更加愉快了。
• After each joke the old man cackled his enjoyment.每逢讲完一个笑话，这老人就呵呵笑着表示他的高兴。