TEHRAN – More than 200 villages in Khuzestan have been selected for rural tourism development across the southwestern Iranian province, the provincial tourism chief said on Monday.

“So far, based on our selection criteria, 230 villages have been identified across Khuzestan and their relevant studies have been done,” Mohammad-Hossein Arastouzadeh said.

By developing rural tourism, we aimed to draw the attention of more travelers, generate jobs, and help empower local economies, the official noted.

Meanwhile, the official attached great importance to the preservation of the environment when it comes to rural tourism. “ Safeguarding the environment is the high priority of their work when natural tourism projects are implemented.”

Lying at the head of the Persian Gulf and bordering Iraq on the west, Khuzestan is home to hundreds of villages, some of which date for millennia.

With its very diverse natural setting, Iran offers varied excursions to nature lovers. Sightseers may live with a nomad or rural family or enjoy an independent stay.

As mentioned by The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), rural tourism is a type of activity in which a visitor’s experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle, culture, angling, and sightseeing. Such tourism also possesses characteristics such as low population density, a landscape dominated by agriculture and forestry, as well as traditional social structure and lifestyle.

The UN body aims to turn the spotlight on the “uniqueness” of each village to make tourism a means for further development in rural areas. “We want to recognize the uniqueness of each village and showcase the best initiatives to make tourism a means for a better future in rural areas. As we restart tourism, we work to ensure that we leave no one - and no village- behind,” according to UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

AFM