Minister Showcases Sustainable Village Employment Opportunities with Ecotourism Resorts

In a recent statement, the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, highlighted the significance of sustainable rural development. He emphasized that villages can thrive through initiatives such as ecotourism resorts, which not only promote tourism but also preserve local culture.

During the 24th meeting of the Strategic Council of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Salehi-Amiri outlined the Government’s innovative approaches to manage field operations and foster balanced tourism development. He stated, “Over the past 1.5 years, the ministry’s Strategic Council has been regularly formed with the presence of more than 30 elites and experts in the fields of cultural heritage, tourism, handicrafts, and social sciences. This council’s mission is to identify major issues from a comprehensive perspective and provide solutions to overcome the fundamental challenges.”

He also stressed the necessity of direct communication with the provinces across the country. “One of our strategic plans is the presence of governors in meetings of the Strategic Council so that decisions can be made on the basis of a true understanding of local capacities and needs. Today, we hosted the governor-general of Ardabil; a province that has a distinguished position as a hub of civilization, tourism, and handicrafts in the country,” he explained.

Salehi-Amiri pointed out that balanced development in Ardabil is crucial. Discussion topics during the meeting included:

• Development of residential and tourism infrastructure in Sarein
• Protection of the natural environment of the region
• Organization of the Heyran axis
• Strengthening the heritage infrastructure of Ardabil

According to recent reports, over five million domestic trips are made to Ardabil annually; however, the influx of foreign tourists remains low. “This indicator should be improved with targeted planning,” he added. The minister reiterated, “The policy of the Government is based on being on the scene, talking to the people, and directly observing the capacities and issues of the provinces. So far, I have made 65 provincial trips, and this process will continue. Our slogan is ‘One Province Every Week.’”

Salehi-Amiri emphasized that revitalizing villages is essential for balanced development. He announced the national plan ‘Every Village, One Eco-Lodge,’ which aims to:

• Keep people in rural areas
• Strengthen local jobs
• Preserve local culture and traditions
• Attract domestic and foreign tourists

He noted that ecotourism serves not only as a catalyst for economic prosperity but also as a means of preserving cultural identity within the framework of national development.

In a significant move to enhance rural employment and promote ecotourism, Salehi-Amiri announced the allocation of low-interest loans amounting to 60,000 billion rials ($60 million). He elaborated on a memorandum of understanding signed with the Mostazafan Foundation, which earmarked 35,000 billion rials ($35 million) for 17,500 small workshops and ecotourism projects. This initiative aims to generate over 26,000 job opportunities.

“This plan could be the beginning of a major leap in the field of employment and retaining the population in villages,” he stated. Furthermore, he addressed the ministry’s collaboration with hotelier associations and ecotourism resorts, which has resulted in extensive discounts at accommodation centers across the country.

“For example, in Mashhad, some hotels offer discounts of up to 50 percent, which is a commendable measure to encourage family trips,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of making travel more accessible for everyone.

In conclusion, the emphasis on sustainable rural development through ecotourism initiatives not only aims to boost local economies but also to preserve the cultural heritage of Iran. The government’s proactive approach to engaging with local communities and implementing supportive policies will pave the way for a brighter future for rural areas in the country.