Exciting Launch: 22 Tourism and Handicrafts Projects Set to Transform Semnan!
In a significant development for the tourism and handicrafts sectors, Semnan province is set to inaugurate 22 exciting projects during Government Week, which runs from September 23-29. This initiative, spearheaded by Bahman Akhlaqi, the head of the Semnan Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, aims to boost local tourism and promote traditional crafts.
According to Akhlaqi, the projects encompass 17 tourism initiatives and five handicraft ventures located in various provincial cities, including Shahroud, Garmsar, Damghan, Semnan, Mahdishahr, and Sorkheh. These projects are a testament to the region’s commitment to enhancing its cultural and economic landscape.
- Total Investment: The overall investment for these projects exceeds 1,200 billion rials (approximately $1.3 million).
- Tourism Sector Investment: 915 billion rials is allocated for tourism initiatives.
- Handicrafts Sector Investment: 300 billion rials is dedicated to the handicrafts sector.
These new projects are expected to create a total of 225 direct and indirect jobs, with 158 positions in the tourism sector and 67 positions in handicrafts. The initiatives aim to foster economic growth and provide sustainable employment opportunities for local residents.
Akhlaqi detailed the various projects that will be launched, which include:
- Creation of eco-tourism and traditional accommodations.
- Establishment of a traveler’s house and roadside restaurant.
- Development of agricultural tourism centers and handicraft shops.
- Specialized workshops for pottery and ceramics.
Specific project highlights include:
- In the village of Kando, an eco-tourism residence will be inaugurated.
- Semnan will see the opening of a new handicraft store.
- Shahroud will host six projects, including a guest house, an agricultural tourism center, and two pottery workshops.
- Damghan will introduce five new initiatives, featuring a traditional residence and dining hall.
- Garmsar will see the establishment of four eco-tourism residences and a woodturning workshop.
- Mahdishahr will open two eco-tourism residences.
- Sorkheh will introduce the first eco-tourism residence in the tourist-target villages of Jovin and Soufiabad.
These projects are set to not only enhance the tourism and handicraft infrastructure within the province but will also significantly contribute to local economic prosperity. They aim to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, paving the way for a brighter economic future.
In a bid to strengthen its tourism offerings, Semnan was selected in 2022 to represent Iran at a union of Silk Road cities, an initiative inspired by China to promote tourism along the historic Silk Road. This ancient route has connected numerous cultures and civilizations for thousands of years, fostering trade and cultural exchange.
The Silk Road has played a pivotal role in enriching the regions it traverses, facilitating the movement of cultures, religions, languages, and goods across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It stands as a testament to the interconnectedness of diverse societies and their shared heritage.
As Semnan embarks on this journey to enhance its tourism and handicrafts sectors, the region looks forward to a future where it can showcase its rich cultural identity and attract visitors eager to explore the wonders of the Silk Road.
