Golestan Province poised for tourism surge
Iranʼs northern Golestan Province is on the cusp of a major tourism and sustainable development boom, Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Reza Salehi-Amiri, said during a provincial visit on Tuesday.
Speaking at the newly developed Gorgan Rural Heritage Museum and the 650-hectare Qoroq Forest Park, Salehi-Amiri highlighted the region’s unique natural and cultural assets, ISNA reported.
“Golestan is like a sun shining across Iran, both illuminating and warming,” he told reporters, noting that provincial authorities, local representatives, and ethnic communities have aligned on a strategic vision prioritizing development over local disputes.
The minister described Qoroq Forest Park, set within the globally recognized Hyrcanian forests, as a model of environmentally conscious expansion. “This park will be one of the largest and most beautiful forest parks in Iran,” he said.
Within its 50 hectares, a cultural village is emerging, restoring six historic rural structures so far, with the first phase scheduled to open by the Persian New Year or, at the latest, next spring. Salehi-Amiri confirmed that full project completion is expected in the first half of 2026.
During the visit, Salehi-Amiri also toured the Gorgan Photography Museum, the first specialized photography museum in northern Iran. Housing over 2,500 cameras and audiovisual devices, the museum aims to become a national hub for photographic heritage. Future expansions include a 30-seat VIP cinema and dedicated educational programs.
Other initiatives include the Ashuradeh sustainable tourism project, undertaken in line with environmental safeguards, and the restoration of the historic Gorgan Wall, targeted for UNESCO recognition.
Salehi-Amiri emphasized on-the-ground engagement by senior officials as a cornerstone of the ministry’s strategy to align planning with local realities.
He also urged the national media to amplify Golestan’s cultural and natural attractions to domestic and international audiences, highlighting Qoroq Forest Park as a key focal point in Iran’s broader tourism promotion campaigns.