TEHRAN – Agritourism is on the rise in Alborz province, which is home to many villages and fruit gardens at the foot of Alborz mountains.

Rahim Khaki, the provincial tourism chief, has said that the development of agritourism not only generates revenue within the tourism domain but also serves as a secondary income source for farmers, potentially deterring extensive land conversion and destruction.

He made the remarks on Monday concurrent with the issuance of a fresh agritourism license in the province.

“The new license focuses on orchard-based agritourism and is granted for a farm located in Aghshat village in Savojbolagh county.”

Khaki emphasized the significant potential that Savojbolagh holds in both the agriculture and tourism sectors, suggesting that by implementing and expanding agritourism projects, visitors could relish the captivating experience of nature tourism and farm visits.

He said the newly licensed agritourism facility comprises several sections, including fruit orchards and greenhouses, where tourists can engage directly in fruit picking and experience the charm of rural life. Additionally, the site offers mobile tents and lounges for light refreshments and local hospitality.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the official stressed the necessity of collaboration with relevant authorities to facilitate the licensing process.

With this latest venture into agritourism, Alborz province aims to capitalize on its agricultural richness while providing visitors with an authentic and immersive experience of rural life and farming practices.

Rural tourism as well as agritourism and farm stays can be regarded as a win-win both for local communities and post-modern travelers who are tracking unique experiences. Sightseers may stay with a rural or nomadic family for a while or enjoy an independent stay and assist them with day-to-day life. It also opens up an opportunity to feel rustic routines, agriculture, traditions, arts, and culture.

As mentioned by the UN Tourism (formerly known as UNWTO), rural tourism is a type of activity in which a visitor’s experience is related to a wide range of products generally linked to nature-based activities, agriculture, rural lifestyle, culture, angling, and sightseeing. Such tourism also possesses characteristics such as low population density, a landscape dominated by agriculture and forestry, as well as traditional social structure and lifestyle.

The UN body aims to turn the spotlight on the “uniqueness” of each village to make tourism a means for further development in rural areas.

“We want to recognize the uniqueness of each village and showcase the best initiatives to make tourism a means for a better future in rural areas. As we restart tourism, we work to ensure that we leave no one - and no village- behind,” according to UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

AM