TEHRAN – Handicrafts are considered to have great potential to promote experiential tourism in Kish Island, Hormozgan province, said Deputy Minister of Handicrafts Mariam Jalali Dekordi.
According to IRIB news agency, the prime minister pointed to an identity-based economy and said Kish Island could be a perfect place to display Iranian handicrafts.
Handicrafts are an identity-based economy, he said, adding that as a free economic zone, Kish should benefit from this element of identity, and fortunately this capacity exists in this southern island.
Mr. Jalali Dekordi pointed out that tourism and handicrafts are the two main elements of the development of creative industries, and all hotels, ecotourism, restaurants, entertainment centers and commercial establishments launched in Kish can benefit from handicrafts to provide unique services to tourists, as each handicraft has a special story and story.
Referring to discussions with the Kish Free Zone Organization, she said, “Our goal for Kish is to become a window for introducing handicrafts throughout Iran, and new approaches in this direction are being formed, both in the economic field through the completion of the value chain, and in the cultural field and storytelling for tourists.”
Referring to the importance of stories in experience-based tourism, she said that in a world where stories and experiences are the main factors that attract tourists, handicrafts can become a new tool to identify the Kish brand. Especially during Kish Week, which is a symbol of Kish Island’s identity.
Pointing out the great potential of Iranian handicrafts in contemporary fields, Jalali Dekordi said that handicrafts can play a role in everything from theme parks and cultural parks to urban furniture, and Kish artists can also lead with their unique talents.
Referring to the provision of new financial facilities to applicants, he added that in Note 15 of the current budget, a very good scheme is being considered for the employment of handicraft activists, the interest rates of which have been significantly reduced compared to the previous year.
He said efforts have been made to transform handicrafts from an individual-centered activity to an organization- and association-based field so that industrial clusters can develop their business environment while maintaining their authenticity.
The Deputy Minister also announced the development of a comprehensive handicrafts management value chain document, adding that this document is being considered by the government’s culture committee and could lead to further cooperation and fusion in the handicrafts sector.
She added that this sector could have better results in Kish, given the concentration of decision-making in the free zone.
KD