We all like to think of ourselves as worldly and well traveled. We’ve traveled and explored from the “Westest” West to the “Eastest” East, but in reality, there’s a lot we don’t know yet. And when we search the Internet for information on some places, we’re met with a black hole and very little knowledge. That’s how Iranian-born Faranak Askari felt as she decided to pack for Iran. Having lived in Canada, the US, the UK, and the UAE – Faranak was frustrated with the lack of information on Iran. That’s when the idea occurred to her – to create a website with the missing information. It’ll be a guide to the mysterious lands of Persia, with all its hidden gems and glorious nature. This guide has been created to put Iran on the must-visit destination map we all have, and to highlight the beauty of this culture-rich country.

Upon her move back to Iran in 2010, Faranak couldn’t find a single thing about Iran on the Internet. She started digging and refused to let this realization hinder her. Finding the perfect name was as important to her as the project itself. Once she found it and purchased the domain name in 2011, everything started falling into place. Faranak knew exactly what her mission was – to create a website that will not only shed light on Iran’s history, culture, and tourist attractions, but will also help people get there. Soon after, she met with a French group in Morocco to take the project forward. Sadly, the project fell through and Faranak was forced to postpone it when false reports were released about the nationalization of the Internet in Iran. But that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dream. After the 2013 elections in Iran, when newly elected President Dr. Rohani came to term, Faranak found new hope. At the Economic Forum in Davos, Dr. Rohani had invited investors to come to Iran and pursue economic opportunities there. Faranak jumped on that and decided to restart her project and head back to Iran.

Through friends, Faranak was introduced to IT consultant Mohammad Ghayati and journalist Hedieh “Heidi” Ghavidel. She also brought in a photographer friend of hers, Hooman Nobakht, and with her team set, the website was launched in its startup phase in 2013. In a matter of weeks, the office was set up in Iran and the team based out of there set off to make this dream a reality. Before the official launch, Faranak decided to attend the Tehran Startup Weekend to pitch the idea where it was received with positive enthusiasm from the attendees. But sadly none of the developers there were a match for her vision. While traveling through Iran taking photos with Hooman for the website, Faranak was introduced to designer Hamid Beiki who fell in love with the idea and joined the team. With Hamid’s logo design in place, Faranak felt the project was finally coming together and its identity born. With the help of PHP developer Salman Akbari, the development team was complete and the project was well on its way.

With GPS mapping, photographing, extensive documenting, and travelling – the team has gathered a plethora of information about the country that was once a mystery. Paying extra attention to the history and esoteric sites of Iran, their comprehensive directory was growing. Then in September of 2014, finally, the website was officially launched and their Facebook page became fully functional. The dream became a wonderful reality as people now had a website to go to with any travel questions related to Iran that they can think of. From finances to dress [continued…] […continued] codes and even a what-to-pack guide, the website is a treasure trove of information. With unmatched natural scenery, historical sites, and warm and hospitable people, Faranak’s dream of promoting the country’s beauty is now a reality. Since Iran is just a short flight away from anywhere in the Middle East, the tourism potential is unmatched. Whether you’d book a ski trip or a historical tour, toiran.com is here to provide you with everything you need.

A pioneer in E-Tourism, toiran.com serves as a hub for all your touristic needs. Helping you with hotel and tour bookings, toiran.com is your one-stop-shop for everything. Visit the glorious seaside or the glistening mountaintops – did you know they had forests and deserts? Explore the ancient sites that are so steeped in history and beautiful Islamic architecture. As for the food, well nothing can even come close to Persian cuisine. The spice concoctions and skillful layering of flavors pushes Iran to the top of the culinary chain. Toiran.com has even made it possible for you to acquire a card that functions like a debit card so you wouldn’t have to use an international debit card there! So if you’re ever in need of a quick getaway, visit toiran.com to find the ideal package for you. Bask in the glory of tourism created by the people of Iran, from the people of Iran, to the world – visit www.toiran.com!

For more information visit www.toiran.com and let them help you plan your next visit! If you need inspiration, follow them on Instagram @toirancom and browse through their beautifully curated images.