West Azarbaijan to expand tourism infrastructure
The director general of West Azarbaijan Province’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Organization has announced that a preliminary plan has been prepared for the construction of a marine tourism complex near Lake Urmia.
Speaking at the first meeting of West Azarbaijan’s Nature Tourism Committee, Morteza Safari said the project is currently under review. He noted that the department appointed a consultant about one and a half months ago and submitted the initial written proposal to the provincial Department of Environment, which is responsible for managing the Lake Urmia National Park, IRNA wrote.
“We are now awaiting the department’s assessment of the proposal,” he said.
Safari also announced plans to develop a service and recreational complex near Mount Zanbil along the extension of the Urmia-Tabriz highway.
Emphasizing tourism’s importance to the province’s economic development, he said the provincial administration is pursuing an investment-driven strategy aimed at attracting investors to key sectors, including agriculture, industry, mining, and tourism.
He highlighted West Azarbaijan Province’s tourism potential, citing its six UNESCO World Heritage sites, 1,885 nationally registered heritage sites, unspoiled natural landscapes, and active border terminals.
Safari noted that the province has become one of Iran’s leading destinations during the autumn and summer seasons, adding that a significant share of its tourism capacity has already been utilized, while further planning is needed to unlock its remaining potential.
Referring to the improved condition of Lake Urmia and the increase in its water level this year, he stressed the need to strengthen tourism infrastructure, describing it as one of the provincial government’s priorities.
He also called for expanding recreational facilities around the Golmarz Wetland, one of the province’s most-visited natural attractions.
At the same meeting, Hojat Jabbari, director general of the West Azarbaijan Province’s Department of Environment, stressed that tourism development must be balanced with environmental protection.
He said ecotourism projects can be implemented in the organization’s four categories of protected areas, provided that environmental regulations are fully observed.
Jabbari added that four locations along the Lake Urmia causeway have been identified for potential private investment. He also stressed that any tourism complex proposed near Golmarz Wetland must strictly comply with regulations protecting the site’s natural buffer zone.
West Azarbaijan is one of Iran’s most diverse tourism destinations, offering a unique blend of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and ethnic diversity. From the volcanic landscapes of Takht-e Soleyman and the scenic valleys of the Zagros Mountains to border markets, traditional villages, and seasonal wetlands, the province provides opportunities for nature-based, cultural, historical, and adventure tourism throughout the year. Its location at the crossroads of Iran, Turkey, and Iraq also gives it strategic potential to attract both domestic and international visitors.