TEHRAN–Lorestan has a well of untapped talent, which, through proper strategies, can accelerate development in agritourism, the deputy governor-general of the western province has said.

Agritourism is somehow neglected in Lorestan province despite having high potential and proper infrastructures, Ahmadreza Dalvand said on Thursday.

He made the remarks at a national conference on agritourism held in the provincial capital of Khorramabad, saying: “In terms of environmental diversity and climate, Lorestan can be a hub for agritourism because it is the third rainiest province in the country after Mazandaran and Gilan provinces.”

Lorestan is a land with pleasant weather and full of natural tourist attractions such as Lake Gohar at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, which is considered a diverse habitat of biological and animal species, he explained.

Cultivated fields of medicinal plants, saffron, black fig, and pomegranate, rich beekeeping traditions, and numerous waterfalls and springs constitute some untapped capacities of the province when it comes to agritourism, the official stated.

Agritourism is a relatively new branch of the travel industry, where tourists stay with local people in rural areas. Recreational activities on the farm or ranch refer to activities conducted on private farmland, which may include paid hunting and fishing, overnight stays, educational activities, etc.

Agritourism and nature tourism businesses may offer outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, wildlife studies, horseback riding), educational experiences (canning tours, cooking classes, or tea or coffee tastings), entertainment (harvest festivals or barn dances), reception services (farm stays, guided tours or outfitting services) and direct sales at the Farm (picking service or roadside kiosks).

Experts believe that agritourism is a subset of a larger sector called rural tourism, which includes resorts, off-site farmers’ markets, non-profit farm tours, and other recreational and hospitality activities that attract visitors to the countryside. Rural tourism is said to be somewhat different from agritourism. For example, rural tourism activities do not necessarily take place on a farm or ranch or farm. They do not generate additional income for the farm.

For example, saffron farms are emerging as a new agricultural tourism destination in northeastern Iran. Iranian Saffron Known as “red gold,” saffron is a magical ingredient in Persian culture, from fragrant dishes and colorful desserts to physical and mental medicine.

In addition, agricultural tourism pays special attention to the production sector. “For this reason, agricultural tourism is more important and practical than other tourism sectors, because it creates new chains and diversity in terms of production and services.”

AM