TEHRAN – Ardabil province in northwest Iran is set to diversify its rural tourism by adding new destinations.

“We in close collaboration with the Housing Foundation of Islamic Revolution are pursuing a plan to identify villages having treasured texture and tourist attractions,” the deputy provincial tourism chief said.

“So far, we have shortlisted 15 villages bearing considerable potential for rural tourism,” Yahya Qabelnajar said.

“Creating infrastructures and providing the necessary conditions for tourism is our other goal of identifying these villages,” the official said.

With a population of 1.28 million and comprising 12 counties, the province is a significant destination for domestic and international tourists due to its natural, historical, religious, and economic attractions.

Situated on a high, windswept plateau, Ardabil is well known for having abundant natural beauty, hospitable people, and its silk and carpet trade tradition. It is also home to UNESCO-registered Sheikh Safi al-Din Khanegah and the Shrine Ensemble. It is freezing in winter and mild in summer, attracting thousands every year.

Ardabil, the provincial capital, has been selected as the 2023 ECO Tourism Capital by the Economic Cooperation Organization.

Home to thousands of charming villages, Iran perfectly suits the tastes of many domestic and even international travelers who seek unique experiences in nature and unspoiled landscapes, stay in authentic accommodation, and feel the local way of life.

Tourists may stay at a rural or nomadic place or enjoy an independent holiday and help them with their daily lives. It also opens up the possibility of feeling the rustic, agricultural, traditional, artistic, and cultural habits of which the magical know-how is passed down from generation to generation.

The label may help highlight qualified villages for their commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects —economic, social, and environmental —and a focus on developing tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

AFM