TEHRAN – The oil-rich Khuzestan province that comprises an extension of the Mesopotamian plain, part of the forested Zagros Mountains, and borders with the Persian Gulf, has played host to its first conference on green tourism.

Organized by the province’s cultural heritage directorate, the two-day event commenced on Thursday in the Arvand Free Zone, which covers an area of 37,400 hectares at the confluence of the Karun and Arvand rivers.

Global tourism villages, wetlands, eco-tourism, astronomy tourism, green investments, and observance of the National Bird-watching Day constituted the main themes of the conference, the provincial tourism chief said. 

During the event, several experts delivered speeches on sustainable principles and approaches, introduced by the World Tourism Organization, Mohammad-Hossein Arastouzadeh added.

Some workshops, discussion meetings, and sale exhibitions of local handicrafts and souvenirs were held on the sidelines of the event as well, the report said. 

Available evidence suggests that the genre is emerging as a new frontier for Iran’s tourism when the world becomes more environmentally conscious, and the concept of “green tourism” becomes increasingly important.

Home to diverse natural landscapes and cultural heritage gems, Iran has already taken steps to promote green tourism that focuses on minimizing the negative impact of conventional tourism on the environment in a sustainable approach.

Green tourism, also known as sustainable tourism, is a growing trend in the global tourism industry. It involves promoting environmentally friendly practices and supporting local communities to ensure that tourism has a positive impact on the environment and society.

AFM