TEHRAN –Iranian government plans to boost tourism across the southwestern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, IRNA reported on Saturday.

As a second area of livelihood for people in this lesser-known province, the 13th Iranian government has focused on tourism development, the report added.

With 250 diverse natural attractions across the province, the tourism industry could invest in entrepreneurship and increase local incomes.

However, experts point out that the lack of proper infrastructure has prevented this industry from creating as much wealth as it deserves.

For this region to promote tourism, the government aims to complete small and large semi-finished projects, develop agritourism, boost infrastructure, and complete recreational camps’ infrastructure.

With several villages, the province has a high capacity for agritourism, which could be considered a new source of income for the villagers, the deputy provincial tourism chief said.

The province is also home to several pristine rural areas, which offers a good opportunity to investors for launching eco-lodge units, Ali Bakhsh-Karami explained.

The gigantic water park of Yasuj, the capital of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, which has not been completed yet, is another project that could attract more tourists and generate job opportunities upon its completion, he added.

However, an adequate budget needs to be allocated to complete the projects and develop tourism infrastructure, he noted.

Earlier in May, deputy tourism minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian announced that the Iranian government had allocated a budget of 60 trillion rials ($213 million) to boost tourism infrastructure all over the country.

The money will be used to complete, restore, and equip accommodation centers, as well as strengthen tourism infrastructure nationwide, he added.
    
Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province is known for its nomads and nomadic life. Sightseers may live with a nomadic or rural family for a while or enjoy an independent stay and assist them with day-to-day life. It also opens up an opportunity to feel rustic routines, their agriculture, traditions, arts, and culture.

ABU/AM