The Director-General of the Specialist Association of Ecotourism Accommodation in Tehran-Farz believed that the prosperity of ecotourism sites was linked to the strict oversight of the government’s licensing process.
He added that the government can promote tourism and ecotourism by creating interactions in small workshops, providing insurance support and removing tax obstacles, Irna reported.
Pointing to the situation at the ecolodge following the 12-day Israeli war with Iran, he said people would certainly return to this tourism sector. Although the 12-day war has affected tourists, let’s remember that ecotourism promotes local culture and traditions and that people are always attracted to such things, he added.
He calls ecotourism resorts a cultural story, authentic traditional experiences, and the unique possibilities of the relationship between tourists and the natural environment and traditional environment, saying, “If governments and the private sector are in keeping pace with the tourism industry in targeted advertising in such an era, we definitely have the greatest efficiency in attracting domestic tourists.”
“Because of its diverse climate, Fars is affordable for such guild (ecotourism) activities (safe states for investment in the field of tourism). After the war crisis has passed, after witnessing the revival of ecotourism sites, we will certainly face a large influx of tourists.”
Depending on the current situation in the foreign tourism sector and the question of whether the situation will return to previous routines in situations attracting tourists in Fars, he said the tourism industry in Fars will definitely return to prosperity. Until the situation returns to its favorable state, Fars state will certainly be the first option for foreign tourists, Irna reported.
Calling the internet restrictions a serious challenge in ecotourism, Behrouzi continued that social media was the first choice in today’s world. While social media-related ecotourism can clearly attract tourists, he added that internet restrictions in war situations had a major impact on attracting tourists.
Pointing to the concentration of most of ecotourism in cities in Fars, he said all of these ecotourism sites usually have or use less of it. “These accommodations host tours that are brought to the area of interest, primarily by tour leaders and tour guides. Internet restrictions generally did not affect them, but the war situation in the country directly affected the tourism and tourism industry in general.”
In response to the scope of authority of the Association of Ecotourism Accommodation Professionals in Fars to prevent environmental destruction, he added:
Behrouzi states, “If ecotourism is managed in a principled and biologically centric way, it will not harm the environment. Rather, it will help improve the environment and spread rural culture.”
He emphasized: “There are many challenges in the way ecotourism. If you want to state the reality of ecotourism without exaggeration, you need to point out the instability in this area, which has witnessed excessive increases in the cost of ecotourism raw materials and daily maintenance. The lack of professional and management training, and communication infrastructure in remote areas, is one of the main issues of this resort.
KD