Therapeutic water springs of Ardebil attractive for Iranian and foreign tourists
As a subcategory of nature tourism, water tourism can draw a large number of travelers to Ardebil Province. They take a trip to the region to use its therapeutic, recreational, or sports facilities.
Head of the province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization said the natural therapeutic water springs of Ardebil should be equipped with modern facilities to host people coming from across the country and the world, IRNA wrote.
Referring to the establishment of the National Tourism Committee, Hassan Mohammadi Adib added that regarding the country’s existing potentials, the health tourism sector has received much
attention in recent years.
“With respect to its unique position in terms of having hot and cold mineral water springs, clean and pleasant weather, and amazing natural landscapes, Ardebil Province can become a pioneers in the field of health tourism in the world,” he said.
He noted that Ardebil has drawn the attention of tourists from reginal countries for several years, adding that the province was among the main destinations of health tourists before the outbreak of COVID-19.
Mohammadi Adib noted that more than 1.6 million health tourists crossed Bileh Savar border terminal to arrive in the province during the year to mid-March 2020, pointing out that proper planning would help the health tourism sector of Ardebil Province to prosper further.
The official said that 32 offices are active in the field of Health Tourism in Ardebil Province, noting that four hospitals, which have International Patients Department (IPD), are eligible to accept medical tourists arriving from foreign countries.
The mineral springs of various cities of the province host millions of Iranian and foreign tourists every year.
Known as “The Land of Heavenly Springs,” Ardebil Province has more than 110 springs, 75 of which are thermal; however, the spring are mostly used traditionally.
Studies show that the hot springs of Ardebil Province, originating from Sablan Mountain, have unique healing powers, and even their traditional use can help relieve pain and cure some diseases.
Due to the establishment of several hydrotherapy complexes and development of hotels and accommodations in the province, especially in the city of Sarein, water tourism has been developed significantly during the past three decades.
The thermal springs of Nir, Meshginshahr and Khalkhal attract travelers from various parts of the country, thus significant opportunities are available for the development of water tourism there.
Meanwhile, numerous waterfalls scattered throughout the province are among the other natural sites which are highly attractive to tourists.