Shiraz to become Iran’s tourism hub: Minister
Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi Amiri, emphasized the significance of Shiraz as a platform for the development of Iran’s tourism sector, citing the city’s rich cultural heritage and handicraft industry.
In a two-day visit to Shiraz, Salehi Amiri participated in the 3rd International Multimedia Festival of Cultural Heritage, which took place from November 5 to 8. The festival featured a diverse range of works from artists in 11 countries, with non-competitive entries from abroad showcased for the first time, IRNA reported.
During his visit, the minister highlighted the importance of Fars Province, where Shiraz is located, as a hub for tourism and handicrafts, with over 3,000 historical monuments and 400 handicraft complexes employing over 22,000 people.
He also emphasized the need to create jobs in the handicraft sector, with a target of creating 100,000 jobs per year, rising to one million jobs by the end of the five-year development plan.
The minister also visited various historical sites in Fars Province, including the Meymand ancient village, where he emphasized the need to facilitate people’s access to historical sites while ensuring their protection.
He visited the Jaameh Mosque, which dates back to the Qajar era and has been registered as a national monument, as well as the historical bathhouse, and the anthropology museum.
He also announced plans to renovate the historical bathhouse and turn it into a museum, with a new layout and design.
The minister also visited a glasswork workshop in Meymand and praised the production of rosewater and flowers in the city as a valuable tourist attraction.
In addition, Salehi Amiri inaugurated the Shiraz Art Bazaar, which features 35 permanent handicraft stalls and 16 stalls from cities and villages participating in the festival. The bazaar showcases the creativity and artistry of Iranian handicraft artists, and the minister expressed his optimism about the future of the industry.
The minister also emphasized the need to provide facilities and job opportunities in the handicraft sector, as well as to promote the industry through marketing and advertising.
Furthermore, a 4,000-year-old silver Elamite cup, discovered in Marvdasht 58 years ago, was unveiled at the Persepolis Museum in Marvdasht, Fars Province. The cup dates back to the Elamite era and is a significant cultural artifact.