Tehran, Iran, February 8
By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:
Luristan province in western Iran has been going through a lot of managerial efforts in recent years in order to turn the province into a tourism hub, thanks to its rich natural and historical heritage.
In an interview with Trend, Luristan’s Cultural Heritage, Handicraft, and Tourism Director General Qolamreza Soleimani said that hotels, railroads, airports, and highways are being built and developed in the province.
"We are positive that in one or two years there will be no infrastructural shortcomings," he said. "This will make the province highly attractive for both tourists and tourism investors."
Luristan province has the biggest length of rivers and streams, numerous springs and wetlands, over 40 waterfalls, as well as many historical sites, the official mentioned.
"Nonetheless, we have been giving permits for the creation of more and more ecotourism accommodations. We have also been providing education to rural people that live in the vicinity of the natural and historical attractions to initiate them into the handicraft business as another way to boost the tourism business," Soelimani mentioned.
"Under the 6th Development Plan of Iran, 30 villages in the province have been chosen for tourism infrastructure development."
Dyanoosh Cheraghi, Soleimani’s deputy for tourism, also spoke to Trend, saying that cultural features such as local music have proven to be of great attraction to tourists.
"Music goes deep into the lives of people in Luristan province, accompanying them in many situations such as work time, times of merriment, and times of sadness. We have seen the music attract many people in various events inside and outside the province," Cheraghi said.
Luristan province is a music-friendly land. While many national musicians have been facing problems to stage concerts in other provinces in recent years, many of them have managed to hold successful events in this province.