Iran's largest aquarium and reptile garden was launched in Anzali Port Free Trade Zone located in the northern province of Gilan on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by First Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri.
Turkish investors put €30 million into the development of the aquarium, making it the largest tourism project launched in Iran free trade zones backed by foreign investment, the vice president's website reported.
The complex includes a 40-meter-aquarium tunnel which is the longest in the country, a reptile garden, an amusement park and various sports facilities.
Jahangiri also launched Anzali's tourism berth, known as Marina, which is financed by Iranian private investors. The project is part of the Caspian port complex which is capable of berthing boats and a cruise ship at the same time.
The construction of both projects started during President Hassan Rouhani's visit to the port in April 2017, in line with government's plans to promoting Anzali FTZ as Iran's marine tourism hub.
As per the data released by local authorities, more than five million travelers visited the port's commercial and tourism facilities during the 11 months leading to February 21, 2018, indicating a 74% growth compared with the same period last year. More than 2,400 foreigners also traveled to Anzali during the mentioned period, marking a 19% increase year-on-year.
The total volume of local and foreign investments in Anzali FTZ amounted to 23.8 trillion rials ($624 million) during the 10 months to January 19, 2018.
