TEHRAN – Jafar Bazri, a member of Ardabil’s Chamber of Commerce, has revealed a substantial necessity of constructing upscale accommodations offering a lavish experience to travelers with an eye toward absorbing foreign tourists.

Speaking at a meeting participated by government officials and private investors, held on Saturday, Bazri highlighted the considerable importance of developing infrastructures and services aiming to prosper tourism.

Bazri, who is deputy chief of the tourism commission at the Chamber, enumerated provincial accommodation including, 220 hotels and boutique hotels with more than 15 thousand beds along with guest houses with a capacity of five thousand beds.

He further detailed the statistics, arguing that despite Ardabail standing in third place among all provinces in terms of official accommodation capacity, lodgings are in crucial need of renovation, intending to exploit the capacities in the best possible way.

The official also put forward building luxurious hotels considering international standards to serve tourists deservedly.

In concluding remarks, Bazri pointed to the duty of related officials in facilitating investments and funding.

It’s noteworthy that on November 2023, nine projects were inaugurated in the cities of Namin, Meshginshahr, Khalkhal, and Sarein, IRNA reported.

The projects include two hotels, three eco-lodges, two tourist complexes, and an entertainment and recreational center, which, if launched, could significantly enhance the tourism facilities' capacity in the province, the deputy provincial tourism chief said.

Regarding the projected investment volume for these projects, the official continued: “It is expected that the implementation of these projects, with an investment of 9.4 trillion rials (some $18.8 million) from the private sector, will create employment for 270 individuals.”

Ardabil province, located in northwest Iran with a population of 1.28 million and comprising 12 counties, is considered 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, was selected as the 2023 ECO Tourism Capital by the Economic Cooperation Organization.