The NY Times is so broke it’s offering poorly researched, potentially dangerous tours of Iran

[unhappycamper]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/10/the-ny-times-is-so-broke-its-offering-poorly-researched-potentially-dangerous-tours-of-iran/



Iranian tourists visit the Temple of Hatshepsut in Egypt on June 3, 2013.

The NY Times is so broke it’s offering poorly researched, potentially dangerous tours of Iran
Scott Kaufman
13 Oct 2014

Smartertimes’ Ira Stoll reports that the cash-strapped New York Times is “seeking new revenue opportunities as a tour operator, since its revenues in traditional areas such as newspaper subscriptions and advertising are not growing fast enough to satisfy investors.”

The newspaper is currently soliciting participants for what it’s calling “Iran: Tales from Persia,” a 13-day, 12-night trip with the Times‘ former Paris bureau chief, Elaine Sciolino that will cost at least $6,995, as internal Iranian airfare is not included.

The trip will begin with a tour of museums in Tehran, in which “[y]our guide will discuss each museum in length to ensure you have an excellent base knowledge ready for the rest of the tour.”

~snip~

The poorly written and researched itinerary is not the only indication that trip may not live up to its almost $7,000 billing, as the tour policies are not extremely restrictive.

[MADem]

1. Good grief--those "tribes in the Zagros" are Kurds.

And don't let their charming traditional clothing fool you--they're very savvy people.

You're better off going alone than going on this ghastly "tour." It smells like an accident (or international incident) waiting to happen.

[adirondacker]

2. Interesting take. I interviewed for a science position some 7 years ago that required extensive

travel to Iran. One of my questions regarding the position was "how safe is it for Westerners". The prof and colleagues assured it was "very safe" and the Iranians were open and friendly. They just don't like our politicians."

You spent time there, correct?