Sassanid Rudkhan Fort (Rood-khan), reconstructed during the Seljuk Dynasty, is 25 km southwest of Fooman, Gilan Province. The monument lies in a very beautiful locale, but it lacks luxurious facilities for tourists and visitors.
The fort is built on a mountain ridge. The visitors should be prepared for an upward slope of about 2 km. At the beginning of the path, tourists are addressed by a sign that reads, "since the fort is built on heights and the path is 2 km long, you are recommended to carry water and equip yourself with a staff". This is the only hint of what to expect.
The huge fort was destroyed during various battles following the demise of Sassanid Empire, but it was later rebuilt during Seljuk Empire (11th – 12th cent).
Disturbing
Rudkhan Fort is one of the must see places in the country and it can be promoted as a tourist attraction on a global scale. But it needs close attention of officials; large heap of litters and lack of resting places and tour guides can disappoint the visitors. Absence of relief corps is another discouraging factor.
Today, after oil and motor vehicle industry, tourism is the third most profitable in the world. Economically it is a big source for creating job opportunities, reducing unemployment, and increasing income.
However, compared to other industries, job creation in the tourism sector lacks vitality due to lack of infrastructure.
According to statistics of the World Tourism Organization, (UNWTO) for every 12 to 15 jobs in the world one belongs to tourism industry. Today the total income of the industry is 9% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Among Top Ten
As UNWTO reports, Iran is among the 10 top countries in tourism due to its cultural heritage and touristic attractions and potentials. However, the country's share of tourism revenue both in number of tourists and earning is significantly low.
In 2013, $1,250 billion was earned from tourism throughout the world. Of this figure Iran's share was only $5 billion, head of the Cultural Heritage Organization Masood Soltanifar said.
