Minister: Iran committed to sustainable tourism development
Iran made significant strides towards developing sustainable tourism, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices.
According to Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Reza Salehi Amiri, the country has allocated funds for the development of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and has implemented measures to reduce water consumption in tourism facilities, ILNA reported.
Speaking at the first-ever ministerial meeting on climate action in tourism, held on the sidelines of the “COP29” conference in Baku, Salehi Amiri emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism development in the face of growing concerns over climate change.
He noted that tourism is one of the largest consumers of energy in the transportation and accommodation sectors, and that developing sustainable tourism practices is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Salehi Amiri highlighted several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, including the establishment of 6,000 eco-resorts across the country, which are designed to meet new environmental standards. These resorts use local materials, serve local food, and showcase cultural symbols. The minister also mentioned the introduction of “fast-track” projects that prioritize sustainability in tourism policy-making, as well as the selection of Mashhad and Shiraz as model cities for sustainable tourism. These cities have implemented measures to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental protection, and will serve as models for other cities in Iran.
In addition, Iran has implemented measures to manage wastewater and reduce water consumption in tourism facilities, including the launch of a pilot project in five hotels. The country has also introduced a new program to promote eco-tourism, which includes the development of small-scale solar power plants in tourist sites and the promotion of environmentally-friendly accommodations.
Salehi Amiri also emphasized the importance of raising awareness about environmental issues among young people and the general public.
He announced that Iran has held three workshops on sustainable tourism this year, and has introduced a new award, the “Iranian Green Tourism Award”, to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to sustainable tourism.
Furthermore, Iran has nominated 90 villages for the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Best Tourism Villages project, with a focus on creating employment opportunities for young people and women. The country has also introduced new regulations to promote the use of environmental standards in tourism development, and has provided financial support to non-governmental organizations to strengthen the sustainable tourism chain.
He emphasized the importance of continued efforts to develop sustainable tourism practices and reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.