Iran seeks to tap regional tourism potential, minister says
Iran’s tourism minister has called for smarter use of regional assets to drive tourism and create jobs, describing a major nature-based project in the country’s northwest as a national opportunity for sustainable development.
Reza Salehi-Amiri made the remarks during a visit to the Aladaghlar tourism complex in Miyaneh, East Azerbaijan province, where he reviewed construction progress and the project’s development plans.
“Aladaghlar” meaning “Colorful Mountains” in Azari, refers to a natural attraction near the city of Miyaneh in East Azarbaijan province, northwestern Iran. The area is known for its colorful hills and mountains and is considered one of the region’s notable destinations for nature-based tourism.
“The area’s historical, natural and cultural attractions could help make it a leading tourism destination,” he said.
The first phase covers 30 hectares, with more than 11,010 square meters of built-up space. The project is designed to accommodate 800 to 2,000 visitors a day.
It is expected to create 83 direct and 200 indirect jobs. A second phase covering 150 hectares is also planned.
Facilities are set to include accommodation, cafes, restaurants, parking, portable suites, a garage, eco-tourism sites, a second camp, an observatory, astronomy education facilities, an open-air amphitheater and viewing areas.
The minister’s itinerary also included visits to the historic city of Khonaj, Jamalabad Caravanserai and Miyaneh’s 23-span railway bridge, a groundbreaking ceremony for the Pardisan complex, and visits to Tark Stone Mosque, the Gozdareh tourism complex in Nesheq village and a historic fortification in Turkmanchai.
Amiri Salehi also in a letter to the Fars Province Governor Hossein-Ali, praised the province in southern Iran for its efforts to attract investment and expand tourism.
He cited Shiraz Expo, an investment conference held in October, as examples of efforts to draw on the province’s historical, cultural and economic resources.
He described event tourism as a key strategy for the sector and said he hoped Fars would become a major hub for international tourism, with local communities benefiting from its growth.