More than a dozen projects funded by private investors are underway in Semnan Province, contributing to the development of tourism infrastructure in the north-central province.
There are a total of 19 projects running the gamut from recreational facilities to hotels in Semnan, which have so far cost an estimated 1.9 trillion rials ($5.5 million), according to a senior official at the provincial office of Iran’s Cultural heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.
“The hotel projects will add 604 rooms and 1208 beds to the province’s capacity, and help create 668 jobs,” Muhammad Taherian, deputy for planning and investment at the provincial ICHHTO, was quoted as saying by ISNA.
Currently, the province can accommodate 1,500 travelers at any one time.
There are more than 20 projects being reviewed by the ICHHTO, three of which will be green-lit before the year is out in March 2017.
Investment in the sector has doubled over the past five years, which has seen three projects finished and seven nearing competition.
“To attract more investment, it is imperative to introduce Semnan’s attractions and promote investment opportunities in the sector,” Taherian said.
Semnan’s geography and climate make it a unique destination that can cater to a wide variety of tastes. The city of Semnan borders the Alborz Mountains in the north and the Kavir Desert in the south, which is the perfect place for stargazing. The province typically experiences all for seasons.
Among the province’s attractions are the Touran Wildlife Refuge, which is the second largest wildlife reserve in the country and houses endangered species such as the Persian leopard and Asiatic cheetah; the Kavir National Park, which encompasses desert and steppes landscapes and boasts a variety of fauna such as striped hyenas and Indian wolves; and old caravansaries used by Silk Road travelers in ancient times.
