TEHRAN—A total of five tourism-related projects are scheduled to come on stream in the central province of Qom by the end of the current Iranian year 1401 (March 2023), the provincial tourism chief has said.

A budget of 1.9 trillion rials ($6.4 million) has been channeled into the projects, CHTN quoted Alireza Arjmandi as saying on Tuesday.

Over 100 job opportunities are estimated to be generated upon the inauguration of the projects, which include two hotels, two tourist complexes, and a guest house, the official added.

Situated adjacent to salt-covered deserts, golden dunes, running sands, and jagged mountains, Qom is home to the shrine of Hazrat-e Masumeh (SA) and major religious madrasas (schools).

Apart from sightseers and pilgrims who visit Qom to pay homage, it is also a top destination for Shia scholars and students who come from across the world to learn Islamic studies at its madrasas and browse through eminent religious bookshops.

One of the most visited natural spots of Qom is Hoz-e Soltan. It is an eye-catching salt lake in the middle of the desert. The visitors could easily walk in the shallow parts and enjoy the shapes created by the salt. However, the center of the lake could be dangerous, as it is muddy and could easily trap people.

ABU/AM