Bushehr officials have announced plans to build floating lodges to help improve the tourism profile of the province and help achieve marine tourism goals.
According to Nasser Amirzadeh, tourism deputy at the provincial office of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, the project is being implemented by Pazargad Non-Industrial Operation Services Company that has also funded Omid Tourist Village in Bushehr and Pazargad Coastal Tourist Village in Shirinu, Kangan County.
“Recent international developments have helped draw investors’ attention to the sector and we intend to use that to turn Bushehr Province into the country’s marine tourism hub,” Amirzadeh was quoted as saying by ISNA.
Located off the Persian Gulf coast, the province of Bushehr boasts more than 700 kilometers of coastline where beachgoers can enjoy the sun and sand with a variety of other water sports. About 80% of Bushehr share a coastline with the Persian Gulf. Its tourism potentials have largely been overlooked in favor of the region’s massive oil and gas reserves.
Besides sandy beaches, Bushehr also boasts an ancient history that could appeal to history buffs. For instance, the provincial capital Bushehr is filled with historical houses, a 19th-century caravanserai and Achaemenid-era royal tombs.
Jashk Salt Dome in Dashti is one of the Middle East’s largest salt formations that draws tourists in large numbers.
Bushehr Beach Resort, which was opened in March, is currently looking for investors.
“The construction of tourism facilities in the resort will help create jobs and ensure economic growth” in the southwestern province, said Mohammad Ebrahim Forouzani, the head of the provincial ICHHTO, calling on the private sector to seize the opportunity.
“Water sports facilities, hotels, restaurants, marine lodging structures and passenger ferries are among the main plans proposed and will hopefully be implemented in the resort soon,” he said.
