Sistan and Baluchestan boasts unique potential in marine tourism
Sistan and Baluchestan Province, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, is located in southeastern Iran. Due to its strategic geographic position and extensive coasts, it has become one of the most important tourist destinations in the country. With its Makoran coasts, serving as a gateway to the Gulf of Oman, the province boasts unique potential in the field of marine tourism and can play a significant role in economic prosperity and coastal economic development.
Sistan and Baluchestan Province is not only notable for its beautiful coasts, but also for its rich cultural heritage. Spring travelers visiting this province will encounter a blend of rich heritage, handicrafts, tourist attractions, and ancient historical sites, creating a memorable experience, according to chtn.ir.
The handicrafts of Sistan and Baluchestan, with their unique diversity and beauty, are one of the most important elements of tourism in the province. These handicrafts, stemming from the traditional arts of the region's people, can serve as valuable souvenirs for tourists and a source of income for local artists.
Chabahar, as a gem of maritime tourism, with countless attractions, has become one of the most important tourist destinations in Sistan and Baluchestan and is considered one of the region's maritime tourism poles.
Maritime tourism in the province provides unique opportunities for the economic development of this province including the establishment of beach hotels and accommodations, the development of restaurants and cafes, the creation of recreational and tourist centers, and the support of local handicrafts.
Given the unique capabilities of maritime tourism in Sistan and Baluchestan, the government and the private sector must collaborate and coordinate to develop comprehensive tourism plans for this province. These plans should include investment in infrastructure, support for local artists and artisans, marketing and advertising, and human resource training.
The development of maritime tourism in Sistan and Baluchestan can contribute to job creation, increased income, and economic development in the province, as well as help preserve the environment and the culture of this region.
The tourism industry, as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and improvement in people's health and quality of life, has significant potential in Sistan and Baluchistan, with its rich history and culture. The region should take steps to better utilize this potential through increased promotion and introduction of its attractions.
However, one of the most significant challenges in developing marine tourism in this vast province was the provision of fuel for vessels. In this regard, the governor of Sistan and Baluchestan Province made considerable efforts to resolve this issue.
The provision of subsidized fuel for domestic and international tourist vessels was approved by the Cabinet. This important decision followed an initial proposal by Mansour Bijar, the Governor of Sistan and Baluchestan, and his continuous and serious follow-ups at a meeting of coastal governors of the country. Subsequently, the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Seyyed Reza Salehi Amiri, by raising the issue in the Cabinet, created the conditions for the approval and implementation of this strategic resolution.
After approval by the Cabinet on the proposal of the Ministry of Oil, this plan has been notified to the ministries of Cultural Heritage, Oil, Road and Urban Development, and Agricultural Jihad for implementation.
Bijar stated, “The implementation of this decision creates a unique and ideal opportunity for private sector’s investors, marine tourism activists, and related economic sectors, and can play a significant role in boosting tourism, developing a marine-based economy, and increasing investment attractions on the country's coasts, particularly in the province of Sistan and Baluchestan.
He added that according to this plan, all recreational and tourism vessels, both domestic and foreign, regardless of the country's flag, will be able to use subsidized fuel after entering the coastal strip and meeting the necessary standards.
In this framework, vessels are initially required to obtain a certificate for passenger transport based on the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and national standards, and later, with a license for activity from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, they are introduced to the Ministry of Oil for receiving subsidized fuel.
This plan, which has been realized for the first time in the country and is being implemented with the emphasis of the governor in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, can play an effective role in the development of marine tourism, attracting investments, and strengthening the position of this province on the country's tourism map.
The deputy head of the province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization for tourism affairs, referring to the importance of fuel prices in determining the cost of tourism tours in this province, announced the positive effects of the subsidized fuel plan for domestic and international tourist vessels.
Alireza Shahbakhsh said, “Considering the vastness of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, the cost of fuel has a significant impact on the final price of tourism tours. Therefore, the approval of the subsidized fuel plan is an important step towards reducing costs and increasing the competitiveness of this sector.
He continued that the most significant impact of this plan will be an increase in the number of tourists, the development of tourism infrastructure, and the creation of new job opportunities.
He emphasized that the revival of marine-based economy will lead to the development of related sea industries and the creation of diverse business opportunities.
He also referred to the licensing of homestays and hotels centered on cultural heritage and said, This plan provides a suitable opportunity for investment and the development of tourism accommodations with a focus on the cultural and historical attractions of Sistan and Baluchestan Province.