TEHRAN –Ardabil tourism directorate has developed tourism infrastructure across the northwestern province during the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 21), the provincial tourism chief has said.

A budget of 770 billion rials ($2.5 million) has been allocated to the development of tourism in the province so far, Fardin Eini explained on Sunday.

Most of the budget has been spent on developing access routes to several historical sites and tourist attractions in the region, he noted.

Developing tourism infrastructure could encourage the private sector to invest in the tourism sector of the province, the official added.

In 2019, Ardabil along with Sari, the capital of Mazandaran province, were selected as the cultural capitals of the Economic Cooperation Organization for 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Last April, the tourism authorities of the province announced that they had developed extensive plans to draw more tourists during winter to the province and make it the winter tourism hub of the country.

Sprawling on a high, windswept plateau, Ardabil is well-known for having lush natural beauties, 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.

The province is very cold 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.

ABU/AM