TEHRAN - A tourism development task force has been established in Kashan, aimed at addressing the various challenges facing the tourism sector in the ancient city.

During a meeting with local tourism stakeholders, Hamidreza Mohammadi-Fesharki, the special governor of Kashan, emphasized that the newly formed task force would tackle both major and minor issues with the industry, stressing that economic support for tourism is as crucial as for other sectors, such as manufacturing.

“The formation of task forces is not limited to industries for the facilitation and removal of obstacles,” Mohammadi-Fesharki noted. “Part of such a potential is to address key challenges in the tourism sector.”

Furthermore, the governor highlighted the need for local authorities to support entities like municipalities, which play a vital role in urban development, better services for residents, and attracting tourists. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the historical fabric of Kashan, noting that these areas should remain entirely inhabited to preserve their vitality.

A key goal of the initiative, according to the official, is to increase the duration of tourists' stay in Kashan. To achieve this, plans include organizing heritage tours and city or rural excursions to encourage tourists to explore various parts of Kashan and its surrounding villages.

Moreover, the special governor pointed out the significant potential for rural tourism, stressing that many of Kashan’s villages are rich in natural and cultural attractions.

“Promoting these areas to tourists could stimulate the local economy and potentially reverse migration trends by providing better economic opportunities for rural residents.”

Many travelers opt to bypass Kashan on their journeys between Tehran, Isfahan, and Yazd, but this delightful oasis city on the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir is one of Iran’s most alluring destinations. The city not only boasts a cluster of architectural wonders and a UNESCO-recognized garden, but it also offers some of central Iran’s best traditional hotels.

During the Seljuk period (1051–1220) Kashan became famous for its textiles, pottery and tiles, reaching high levels of accomplishment in each of these cottage industries. Today, it is more widely known as a major center for the production of rose water, which is sold at outlets around the main tourist attractions and dedicated stores in the bazaar.

AM