PILGRIMS are still flocking from Bahrain to Iran despite mass protests and clashes over the disputed presidential election results.
More than 400 pilgrims from Bahrain are currently in Iran, with more queuing up to go, says a leading caravan company.
"Bahraini pilgrims only go to Meshhad, which is far away from Tehran, where clashes have been happening," said Al Nasr Travel and Tourist owner Sayed Ala'a Al Durazi.
"At the moment 120 out of 400 Bahraini pilgrims in Meshhad are from our caravan and speaking with our representative there, we can confirm that all are safe and some have even asked for an extension to stay longer."
Mr Al Durazi said bookings for 1,200 Bahrainis were still fixed up to the end of August with more on the waiting list.
"If someone wants to cancel we would be happy. Many others are on the waiting list to take their place. They have been asking us to include them on the tour," he said.
"Our business is not harmed. People are calling us looking for places, right up to the Eid Al Fitr holiday in mid- September."
Mr Al Durazi said he was co-ordinating with other caravans to take those on the waiting lists or new applicants.
"Everyone is eager to travel," he said. "We are working with other smaller caravans to help meet demand.
"People here in Bahrain don't really care if there is trouble in the place they are planning to visit and the biggest example is thousands of pilgrims going to Iraq annually despite the unrest."
A Gulf Air official told the GDN that the airline was monitoring the situation in Iran but there were no plans to cancel flights.
An Iranian Embassy official said Iran was still a safe place to visit with the clashes having no effect on regular business.
"Up to now, we still have Bahraini individuals and families wishing to go to Iran during the summer," he said.
"Bahrainis love Iran and this is why the number of people going to the country is always on the increase.
"Any reports that Iran is unsafe are baseless, considering that a huge of Bahrainis are currently in Iran.
Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry travel and tourism committee chairman Abdulhakeem Al Shemri told the GDN that he was unaware of any problems with normal business in Iran.
"Most of our business is in either Meshad (pilgrimage) or Shiraz (trade and relaxation). But I am unaware that things have stalled because of the protests," he said.
A Foreign Ministry told the GDN that it was monitoring the situation through the Bahraini Embassy in Iran.
