Gilan's tourism booming thanks to massive investments

Rasht, IRNA - Tourism industry has been developed in the northern Gilan Province over the last eight years thanks to the current administration's efforts to invest 47.5 million dollars in the sector and as a result of the registration of Hyrcanian Forest in the UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Rains, paddy fields, history and nature of the northern province encourage people from Iran and abroad to visit Gilan, while the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tourism industry hard not only in Gilan but also throughout the country, but a look into the eight-year performance of the government of President Hassan Rouhani can enhance observers' hope for the future of the industry.

Based on authentic archaeological documents, the history of human habitation in Gilan dates back to 3,500 years ago.

Hyrcanian Forest in UNESCO List
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO announced that the Hyrcanian forests spread 850 kilometers along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. The forests date from 25 to 50 million years ago and are home to the Persian Leopard, nearly 57 other mammal species, and 180 bird species.

Following years of negotiations, in July 2019 the UN cultural body designated the natural and ancient forests as a world heritage site, a part of which is located in Gilan Province.  

In 40th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Baku, Azerbaijan Republic, the organization declared that forests of four provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan and Semnan have been proposed to be registered in the World Heritage List. 

Three out of the mentioned forests are located in Roudbar, Fouman and Talesh, which are all in Gilan Province. The three sites are considered as conservation areas and humans are not allowed to make changes there.

Tourism industry under the shadow of COVID-19
Despite the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has hampered tourism in Gilan, President Rouhani inaugurated 26 projects virtually in last autumn to promote tourism industry in the northern province and create 738 job opportunities for the people of Gilan.

Director General of Gilan Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department Masoud Hallajpour told IRNA that the government of Prudence and Hope invested more than 47.5 million dollars in tourism industry of this province.

Hallajpour went on to say that 308 projects are underway with predicted investment of about 52.2 million dollars to further develop tourism and create occupations for more than 2,500 people.