TEHRAN – The tourism directorate of the northwestern Iranian city of Maku in West Azarbaijan province plans to cultivate tourism investment, a local official has said.

Investing in tourism is a priority for Maku, Hossein Garusi said on Tuesday.

Aiming to attract investors in tourism, as well as invest in eco-lodge units, and build ziplines, go-karts, and other activities is on the agenda this year, the official added.

Maku offers a number of advantages for investors, including cheap and available energy, skilled manpower, power plants, tax exemptions and customs incentives related to the import of raw materials and machinery related to the launch of production lines, he noted.

As a border region between Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia, the region has a unique geographical location, with hundreds of pristine natural attractions and unique historical monuments, as well as an airport with a high tourist capacity, he mentioned.

Back in February, the official announced that the city considered ways to boost sports tourism.

There are many opportunities for sports tourism to develop in this area, especially winter sports, he said.

A lot of tourists visit Maku every year to do winter sports in the highlands because of the climatic conditions, demonstrating the region’s high capacity to develop sports tourism, the official added.

Maku is located northwestern province of West Azarbaijan and enjoys a unique geographical and natural location.

In a valley that passes through which the Zangmar River divides Maku into two parts, the city is located 1294 meters above sea level.

The city is surrounded by the Qarasu River and Turkey from the north, the Aras River (the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Armenia) from the east, Khoy from the south, and Turkey from the west.

Due to the surrounding stony mountains, this city has a moderate climate in winter and a hotter climate in summer.

Mountainous landscapes, flourishing pastures, hot water springs, waterfalls, protected areas, and hunting grounds are some of the tourist attractions of this area.

Maku is located on the main Tabriz-Bazargan road and has an excellent strategic location.

Among the city’s most significant features is its role as the country’s only land border business and a link to Europe. As part of Maku’s economy, there is an industrial complex on the Maku-Bazargan road.

Maku people rely on cross-border trade, agriculture, and animal husbandry for their livelihood.

ABU/AM