TEHRAN – In a celebration of the Kuhsorkh’s vast array of local plant products, the fourth edition of the Rhubarb Festival has delighted hundreds of attendees.

The one-day event, taking place on the last Friday of the very first month of the Persian calendar [ April 19], was participated by indigenous peoples in Kuhsorkh’s Riyush [believed to be driven from ‘Rivas’, which is a Persian word for Rhubarb].

Attending the festival, Khorasan Razavi’s director-general of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts announced that the event is considered a way to appreciate the local farmers and artisans’ efforts, showcasing the outstanding outputs.

The festival is routinely attended by some provincial officials to honor local farmers and showcase the various products coming from the country, Seyyed-Javad Mousavi noted.

“Our strategy to develop tourism in Kuhsorkh is based on its capacities in agricultural tourism, rural tourism, and ecotourism,” the director-general noted, “the existing six eco-lodges and guest houses are a testament to the ongoing growth in this sector.”

He also highlighted the significant role of local crafts in the tourism sector, noting that workshops in various traditional crafts have thrived, creating around 40 new jobs within the county.

Also, a provincial official in charge of Marketing, Training, and Domestic Tourism, emphasized the festival's role in strengthening national unity and economic prosperity.

Ali-Akbar Ahmadzaeh pointed to the efforts aiming to officially recognize the Rhubarb Festival in the national calendar of tourism events, with an eye toward attracting more tourists to the region.

Moreover, Reza Rabiee, Kuhsorkh’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts chief, added that the festival included cultural performances, traditional music, and comedy shows, enriching the visitor experience.

He noted that the recent rains had provided ideal conditions for rhubarb cultivation, making this period optimal for the festival.

The event also featured a live broadcast by Khorasan Radio, further highlighting the festival’s success in bringing the community together, Rabiee outlined.

The fourth annual Rhubarb Festival concluded with significant success, according to the Kuhsorkh’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts chief.

The event, organized jointly by the municipality and the city council of Riyush, saw sales of around three billion rials in handicrafts, souvenirs, and agricultural products, reported Reza Rabiee.

The festival featured 70 stalls, offering a vibrant display of local products including traditional handicrafts, honey, dairy items, rhubarb-driven products such as syrups, and various local dishes.

Rabiee also highlighted that out of the total sales, 400 million rials were attributed to handicrafts, while the remaining 2.6 billion rials came from other local products and souvenirs.

Kuhsorkh, known for its tourism potential, especially in traditional textiles and agricultural produce, actively promotes these festivals to attract tourists and introduce them to the area's rich heritage and local products, the official added.

“Currently, the region boasts approximately 250 artisans working in various crafts,” Rabiee stated, “contributing robustly to the local economy and cultural preservation.”

Rabiee, in his concluding remarks, pinpointed that the success of events like the Rhubarb Festival not only boosts the local economy but also plays a crucial role in showcasing Kuhsorkh’s diverse tourist attractions and artisanal capabilities on a broader stage.

Fam tours spotlight culture

Kuhsorkh, a district renowned for its agricultural and rural tourism potential, played host to a special tourism familiarization tour on Friday [April 19].

Organized under the auspices of the Khorasan Razavi Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the event was aimed at introducing travel agency managers and licensed tour guides to the region’s diverse attractions.

Seyyed-Javad Mousavi, Khorasan Razavi’s director-general of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, addressed participants emphasizing that the tour was part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable tourism rooted in Kuhsorkh’s agricultural wealth and cultural heritage.

The tour also coincided with the fourth annual Rhubarb Festival, providing an ideal setting for showcasing the region’s tourism capacities, the official explained.

Mousavi stressed the importance of conducting these tours with proper permits, ensuring that all travel operators and guides are appropriately licensed and insured, and safeguarding tourists' well-being.

This adherence to regulation underscores the commitment to high standards in the burgeoning tourism sector of the region.

A provincial official in charge of Marketing, Training, and Domestic Tourism highlighted Kuhsorkh’s potential, pointing out that with proper infrastructure, the area could significantly boost tourist retention.

Ali-Akbar Ahmadzadeh further noted the essential qualities of tour guides, including communication skills, expertise, and hospitality, which are pivotal for enriching tourists' experiences.

The tour featured prominent provincial figures such as Mohsen Mokaram , an international tour guide and former head of the provincial tour guide association, and Seyyed-Jafar Zerrati-Sedeq, head of the professional association for tourism training institutions.

As claimed by officials, this initiative reflects the ongoing efforts to position Kuhsorkh as a key destination for visitors interested in authentic rural and agricultural experiences, supported by a community rich in tradition and a welcoming spirit.