Showing posts with label NGO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NGO. Show all posts

July 19, 2007

Tourist Friendly City

Isfahan is one of the most attractive cities in Iran. Almost all those who enter this country to take a visit from historical sites, spend at least few days in Isfahan.
In addition to its rich history, a river called ZayandehRood contributes a lot to this city's beauty.
But an important feature of a modern city is missing in Isfahan: it is not tourist friendly.
What do I mean by being (or: not being) 'tourist friendly'? I mean:
1- If you get lost in this city, you can hardly find English speaking fellow who might help you.
2- There are not enough restrooms, etc.
3- Detailed maps of the city: what a dream!
4- Not enough English signs in the streets or bazaars to help you find your way.
& etc.
Yeah! Those who visit the city as a tour and have tour-guide may enjoy the trip, but the problem is that indeed a relatively good proportion of these tourists are backpackers: they do not hire tour-guides because it may cost them a lot.
Then, what is the solution?
Very simple: a NGO may be very useful in this case. Suppose that an organization is established in order to register boys and girls who know English enough to serve as a free-tour-guide, and then introduce them to tourists who come here. This way, youth may have a good opportunity to practice English, while tourists may visit some hidden beauties of the city free-of-charge!