Since President Khatami came to power four years ago the number of foreign tourists arriving in Iran has shown a steady increase. Tour parties and independent travellers, once a rare sight in Iran, are now much more visible in the big cities - encouraged by Iran's new image of greater openness.
Most visitors concentrate on archaeological and religious sites.
Some also reach the Caspian coast - for many years a favourite spot for Iranian holiday makers who make a bolt from the city smog at weekends. Caspian resorts do not compete for the usual beach market. Mixed swimming is not allowed and the hotels, most of which were built before the revolution, are down at heel. New promotions Still, foreign tourism is growing here. Jihan Bin of the local tourist board says that every year a few more foreigners come.