Iran’s rustic charm boosts tourism sector

Iran’s rustic charm has drawn flocks of tourists who are eager to experience Persian art and culture.

Iran’s rich rural landscape helps to promote the country’s budding tourism sector by pinpointing over 5,000 villages with considerable touristic potential, Seyyed Abolfazl Razavi, Iran vice president for rural development and less-privileged areas, said recently.

“We have identified more than five thousand villages that have tourism capacities, 1,000 of which have historical backgrounds and over 2,000 boast their distinct kinds of arts and handicraft productions,” said Razavi.

Since the start of spring this year, officials are concentrating on improving 1,000 villages with the highest tourism potentials.

Rural or farm tourism has for many years offered urban Iranians and foreign tourists a taste of rustic life.

Visitors are encouraged to stay with a nomad or rural family, while enjoying independent stays or even assisting with the day-to-day village activities. Through this, visitors learn about rustic routines, agriculture, wildlife, traditional art and culture.

The expansion of ecotourism has helped contribute to regional development as well as lessened irregular migration from rural areas to major cities.

Iran has a very diverse natural setting, offering a lively and interesting environment to nature-loving travelers.

AI/AG