TEHRAN - West Azerbaijan has high potential for the development of agritourism, the provincial tourism chief said on Saturday.

“Given its mountainous climate and the prevalent involvement of people in agriculture, West Azarbaijan holds significant potential for agritourism development,” Morteza Safari said.

He said agritourism has gained attention globally as a green industry due to its ability to yield substantial income with relatively low investment.

“West Azarbaijan, with its unique capacities, can play a crucial role in the tourism sector. Among the province's advantages in tourism, one can highlight its historical sites, untouched nature, and agricultural tourism.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Safari said agritourism stands as an appealing branch of tourism, particularly in rural areas. “By expanding eco-tourism units and establishing recreational centers, enhancing this type of tourism in West Azarbaijan can contribute to its prosperity.”

Moreover, the presence of nomadic regions and the establishment of rural and nomadic markets adds charms for agritourism in the province, he said. 

The World Tourism Organization considers rural tourism to be a type of activity in which the visitor's experience is linked to a wide range of products typically associated with activities related to nature, agriculture, rural lifestyle, culture, fishing, and tourism. This type of tourism also has characteristics such as low population density, mainly agricultural and forestry landscape, social structure, and traditional way of life.

As mentioned by the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, the UN agency aims to highlight the “uniqueness” of each village to make tourism a vehicle for further development in rural areas. “We wanted to recognize the uniqueness of each village and highlight the best initiatives to make tourism a vehicle for a better future in the countryside. As we restart tourism, we try not to leave anyone – and no village – left behind,”

Experts believe that the ultimate goal of the growth and development of rural tourism is to enhance local economic activity, but in the long run, for this to happen, it is important to maintain a healthy environment and expand its capacity.

AFM