Development of tourism sector a promise of economic prosperity in Fars Province
The flourishing of the tourism sector in Fars Province is achievable through developing its accommodation centers, improving service provided to tourists, and introducing attractions which are less-known to people.
The growing trend of investment in the provincial tourism sector is a promise of economic prosperity in the wonderful and vast province.
The abundance of religious, historical, cultural and medical tourism centers in Fars Province, having 11 UNESCO Word Heritage Sites, is not hidden from anyone.
Although being a tourist-friendly destination has to some extent led to the prosperity of some businesses in Shiraz, Marvdasht and Sepidan, the economy of Fars Province has not flourished as it deserves, and a huge part of its potential capabilities remains unused.
The enhancement of tourism infrastructures alongside increasing the people’s awareness of the less-known attractions of the region would help increase the number of travelers choosing Fars Province as their destination.
The average stay of foreign tourists arriving in Fars Province is presently less than two days. Some deficiencies such as accommodations, marketing and lack of direct flights from neighboring countries, as well as the absence of specific attractions have adversely impacted the province’s tourism sector.
Deputy Head of Fars Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, Rouhollah Ravanshad, noted that 375 tourism agencies and 650 accommodation centers are operating across the province.
He put the accommodation capacity of Fars Province at 10,000 rooms and 25,000 beds.
Managing Director of the provincial Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization, Moayed Mohsennejad, noted that 32 tourism-related projects are presently being implemented across the province.
He added that a number of hotel and hotel-apartments, traditional accommodations and tourism complexes are under construction in the province.
Making investment in the tourism sector would help attract more Iranian and foreign visitors to the province, pave the way for local businesses to prosper and generate jobs in the province.
He noted that each exemplary tourism site of the province has its unique features, making investment in which would help generate jobs and income in Fars Province.
Shah Cheragh Shrine is a major tourist destination and pilgrimage site in the provincial capital of Shiraz.
The mausoleum is where one of the brothers of Imam Reza (PBUH), the eighth Shia Imam, is laid to rest. It boasts architectural elements and motifs from various centuries. The mausoleum has undergone various restoration projects over time, and was registered on the National Heritage List in 1939.
During his trip to the province in October 2021, President Ebrahim Raeisi called for promoting the tourism industry in Fars Province.
Minister of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Ezzatollah Zarghami also announced that the government has allocated financial aid to develop the Pasargadae Complex, the capital of the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great (559-530 BCE), who had ordered its construction as well as the location of his tomb.