TEHRAN—Iran’s Ardabil, which is the 2023 Tourism Capital for the Economic Cooperation Organization, will be hosting a meeting of tourism ministers and experts from the member states in the near future.

The ancient city will be hosting the 5th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Tourism and the 7th High-Level Experts Group on Tourism (HLEG) Meeting in October.

On Saturday, Ardabil’s tourism chief, Hassan Mohammadiadib, expressed hope that the meetings set the ground for further tourism boost, local economy and related businesses, IRNA reported.

“For our guests, in addition to meetings and conferences, we have organized detailed programs such as visits to natural and historical attractions along Ardabil province,” the official said.

According to Mohammadiadib, Ardabil’s designation as 2023 ECO Tourism Capital has created a good capacity for tourism development. “So, we should grasp this unique opportunity,” the official said.

“We can easily use this unique capacity to introduce our cultural heritage, travel destinations, and ancient handicrafts.”

Earlier this year, Ali Bahadori Jahromi, the spokesman for the Iranian government, said Ardabil 2023 should be observed as an opportunity to strengthen local tourism. “Foreign tourists can benefit greatly from this event in gaining knowledge of the tourism capabilities of the country, especially those of Ardabil,” Bahadori Jahromi said.

Sprawling on a high, windswept plateau, Ardabil is well known for having abundant natural beauty, hospitable people, and its silk and carpet trade tradition. It is also home to the UNESCO-registered Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and the Shrine Ensemble.

Ardabil province is freezing in winter and mild in summer, attracting thousands every year. The capital city of Ardabil is usually recorded as one of the coldest cities in the country in winter.

AFM