Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari targets tourism growth via cultural heritage
Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts announced that 27 Iranian elements have been inscribed on the global list of intangible cultural heritage.
Alireza Izadi made the remarks during a meeting with the officials of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, noting that a dossier for the nomadic migration traditions of the province is currently being prepared for global registration, chtn.ir wrote.
He added that property rights for individuals located within the boundaries of historical sites have been addressed in Iran’s Seventh Development Plan. According to Izadi, measures to resolve related challenges — such as allocating alternative land — have been placed on the agenda and approved by the Housing Council.
Malek-Mohammad Qorbanpour, deputy governor for economic affairs of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, emphasized the importance of the service sector as a key pillar of the provincial economy. He said the province aims to strengthen its tourism sector by leveraging its existing cultural heritage, tourism, and handicraft attractions.
Qorbanpour stressed that per capita investment in sectors related to cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts must be increased, adding that the province has the potential to become a hub for knowledge-based exchanges with a tourism-oriented approach.
He further noted that significant infrastructure has been developed to host national and international events in the province.
Highlighting the region’s economic diversity, he said that while Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari has notable agricultural, industrial, and economic output, its tourism sector offers unique and virtually unlimited opportunities for new investments.
Qorbanpour also pointed out that the province can promote its cultural heritage, handicrafts, and traditional arts through historical and cultural discourse, helping to transfer its rich legacy to future generations.
Meanwhile, Director General of the province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization underlined that preserving historical sites remains a top priority. Heydar Sadeqi emphasized that registering intangible cultural heritage in the province could significantly enhance its appeal among younger generations.
The province is widely recognized for its rich Bakhtiari tribal heritage, traditional music, colorful local attire, and centuries-old nomadic lifestyle, all of which contribute to its growing appeal as a cultural tourism destination. Local handicrafts, including carpet weaving, kilim weaving, and felt-making, alongside traditional festivals and oral storytelling traditions, reflect the deep-rooted cultural identity of the region and offer valuable opportunities for sustainable tourism development.