[Iran] Tourism Infrastructure

Parishan Lake’s Ecosystem in Danger


Excessive agricultural chemical substances in Parishan Lake have put in risk the ecosystem of this lagoon.

Tehran, 24 January 2006 (CHN) -- Parishan Lake, situated 15 kilometers from Kazeroon city in southwest of Fars province, which is the habitat of some unique species of migrating birds, is one of the most beautiful ecotourism sites which receives large numbers of domestic and foreign visitors especially during winter time. This lake and its surroundings are in great danger these days due to the excess of agricultural chemical residue in the region.

“Parishan Lake has an important place for the local people who are economically dependent on it. For instance, they produce some unique handicrafts from the straw bales and earn their living through selling these works. In addition, Tak, a local fish that live in this lake and is sometimes 40 kilograms in weight, makes up a major part of the people’s food supply. Moreover, birds hunted at this lake provide the people’s need for food. However, due to the excessive use of chemical materials by the local inhabitants, the ecosystem of the lake is in great danger,” said Fashad Ehsanmanesh, an expert from the public relations office of Fars Environment Organization.

“This lake is the host of at least 150 of the total 174 different species of birds which migrate to Iran during winters. Different kinds of gooses, moorhens, flamingos, and pelicans migrate to Parishan Lake each year. Most of them migrate to Iran from northeast of the country and cold areas and leave the region at the end of winter. Some of these unique species are considered as local birds since they are very often seen at the lake,” added Ehsanmanesh.

Recently, some contracts were signed in this respect between Iran’s Environment Organization and the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization to protect such ecotourism sites.

According to Ehsanmanesh, foreign tourists show more interest for holding bird-watching tours which take them to Kazeroon to visit this lake.

First Ice Rally Driving of Iran to be Held in two Days


Driving Federation of Iran is going to hold the first rally racing on ice and snow on 25th and 26th of January 2006 between Tehran and Alisadr Cave.

Tehran, 23 January 2006 (CHN) -- For the first time, Iran’s Driving Federation will hold rally racing on ice and snow from 25 to 26 of January between Tehran and Alisadr Cave in Hamadan.

“150 individuals, three of whom are women, have announced their willingness to participate in this race until 22nd of January, the deadline for the enrolment. Each individual should pay 300,000 Iranian Rials (an equivalent of 33 US dollar) to the federation to participate in this race. All drivers are insured and a team of medical emergency personnel will be present along the route between Tehran and Alisadr Cave in Hamadan. In addition, some automobile service centers will be established on the racecourse,” said Bahram Bahreini, director of Public Relations Office of Iran Driving Federation.

Rally drivers will drive a 920 kilometers distance in 2 days, 500 kilometers of which is on dust and the rest is on snow.

During the first day, competitors will drive from Tehran to Alisadr Cave and on the second day they will drive back to Tehran, covering 460 kilometers in each trip.

The participants will drive using their own cars, but some mechanical changes will be made so that the drivers can drive on snow and ice.

Some tests will be taken before the race to determine the readiness of the drivers who participate in this competition. Out of twelve 100-kilometer speed tests, seven will be on snow.

Saipa Automobile Company has the sponsorship of this rally and will award 800 US dollar to the winner of the race.

Rally racing is a form of automobile racing that takes place on public roads using modified or especially designed road cars. While it is almost certain that similar competitions took place almost as early as there were cars, modern rallying originated in Europe in early 20th century, and gained a modest foothold in car-crazy Europe.

World Rally Champions are being held every year in 16 countries, including different rally racings on the most difficult dusty and snowy roads.

END

First Isfahan-Aleppo Driving Race to be Held Soon


Isfahan-Aleppo rally will be held in the near future to introduce Iran and especially Isfahan’s tourism attractions as the cultural capital of Islamic cities in 2006.

Tehran, 21 January 2006 (CHN) -- Touring and Automobile Club of Iran is about to hold a driving race between Aleppo and Isfahan cities to introduce Iran’s tourism attractions, especially those of Isfahan as the chosen cultural capital of Islamic cities in 2006.

According to Abdollah Ahangari, deputy of tourism development of Touring and Automobile Club, following the initial agreements between Iran and Syria, this rally will be held in spring/summer 2006. He also mentioned that in addition to Iranian and Syrian drivers, other countries may participate in this race as well.

The race will start in Aleppo, Syria, and after passing borders of Turkey the drivers will enter Iran and head for Isfahan.

Holding this race is the most important program of Touring and Automobile Club in year 2006 for Isfahan has been chosen as the cultural capital of the Islamic cities.

END

Qazvin to become an International Tourism City

During a short visit to Qazvin, Anna Tibaijuka, director general of UN-HABITAT, laid grounds for some projects to turn Qazvin into an international tourism city.

Tehran, 18 January 2006_ Soudabeh Sadigh (CHN) -- Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka*, director general of the United Nations Human Settlement Program, traveled to Iran by the invitation of the World Health Organization (WHO) and also with the intention of studying the tourism potentials of Qazvin city as this city is the first chosen international tourism city by the UN.

The memorandum of understanding for incorporating Qazvin in the list of the international tourism cities had been signed by the United Nations Human Settlements Program and the Iranian officials in December 2006.

Based on this agreement, the standards of living would promote in Qazvin city and the tourism facilities should be provided within three years to facilitate the process of attracting tourists from all over the world to this ancient city. The United Nation will provide the research budget and the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Qazvin province is in charge of implementing the project, while other organizations should coordinate their programs with those of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Iran. Therefore, it is supposed that big changes will be made in the appearance of this historical city within the next three years.

In this regard, when it was announced that Mrs. Tibaijuka was invited to Iran by the office of World Health Organization in Tehran, the governor of Qazvin took this opportunity and formally invited her to negotiate with the Iranian authorities and sign cooperative contracts. The initial programs for performing an urban tourism development were discussed during her visit to Qazvin. She also visited some historical sites and the traditional contexts of the city of Qazvin and unveiled a commemoration tablet for Qazvin’s selection as the first international tourism city.

Regarding, the criteria for choosing Qazvin as an international tourism city, Tibaijuka explained: “Qazvin is a historical city. It has very good potentials, and we would like to cooperate with the people and NGOs to perform this project.” She also expressed hope for a successful performance of this project.

Director General of the UN-HABITAT strongly believes that in addition to governmental organizations whose cooperation is very important in such mega projects, all non-governmental organizations and even ordinary people should be involved in performing such a project in Qazvin.

According to Anna Tibaijuka, a special budget has been allocated for this program; and the details about the memorandum of understanding, which was sighed between Iran and the UN Human Settlement office in Nairobi, will be announced in the near future. “We have considered all the aspects during our visit to Iran and we have some comprehensive programs in this respect to support the project and to introduce Qazvin to the world outside,” she added.

Concerning other projects of the UN Human Settlement Program she expressed hope that the UN would be able to perform such projects in all cities of the world. “We are available for any city who wants to cooperate with us,” added Tibaijuka.

Tibaijuka also expressed hope for conforming to the regulations and observing the items which have been mentioned in the memorandum of understanding by both sides. She also mentioned that she is quite optimistic about the outcome of this project.

With reference to the effective participation of women and ordinary people in development programs and planning, she explained that one of the main objectives of the UN in performing its projects is to get women involved.

nice thread

good to see rally events in iran, i believe there is good enough terrain in iran to hold a leg of the WRC, ofcourse they need to buld a few courses (stages) first but it is ideal terrain imo

Indian Zoroastrians in Sadeh Festival of Kerman



Tehran, 30 January 2006 (CHN) -- This year Kerman’s Sadeh Festival will be held with the participation of some Indian-Zoroastrians along with other Iranians. According to Iraj Nozari, head of Kerman’s Zoroastrian Association, every year some foreign tourists participate in this ceremony; and there are some Indian Zoroastrians among this year’s participants of Sadeh Festival in Kerman.

Following the Arabs’ conquest of Iran (637-651 AD), which overthrew the Sassanid Empire and let to the decline of Zoroastrian religion across the Persian Empire, thousands of Iranian Zoroastrians who were afraid of being forced to convert to Islam migrated to India to maintained their ancestors’ religion. Now after centuries their descendants are living in India and we can see the community of Parsi-Zoroastrians in Bombay and other cities of India. On the other hand, a smaller group of Zoroastrians remained in their homeland, Iran, and are now living peacefully with their Muslim counterparts in Iran.

“Every year, Parsi-Zoroastrians hold big ceremonies on the anniversary of Sadeh festival in India. However, this year large numbers of them have come to the land of their ancestors where Zoroastrianism was found to participate in the festival,” said Nozari.

During their stay in Kerman, in addition to attending the Sadeh festival, Indian-Zoroastrians will visit some tourism attractions of Kerman city.

Sadeh, the celebration of the birth of fire, is an ancient Iranian tradition celebrated 50 days before Nowruz (Persian New Year) on 30th of January. Sadeh is a mid winter festival that was celebrated with grandeur and magnificence in ancient Persia. It was a festivity to honor fire and to defeat the forces of darkness, frost, and cold.

Today, 30th of January, Jashn-e Sadeh is celebrated everywhere in Iran, especially in Kerman which has a large population of Zoroastrians. The festival is attended not only by Zoroastrians from Iran and neighboring countries but also by other non-Zoroastrian Iranians who are interested in learning about the traditions of their Zoroastrian fathers.

13 International Ski Resorts in Iran

Tehran, 2 January 2006 (CHN) - According to Rahmatollah Shahmoradpour, chairman of Provinces Committee of Iran’s Ski Federation, Ernesto Rigoni, representative of World Ski Federation who visited Iran last month has announced his agreement to the internationalization of 9 other ski resorts in the country including Sahand and Tochal.

At the present, there are 23 ski resorts in different parts of Iran including Hamadan, Ardabil, Qazvin, Kohkilouyeh va Boyer Ahmad, Tehran, West Azarbaijan, Isfahan, Fars, Kurdistan, and Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiari.

During his recent visit to Iran, Rigoni visited some Iranian ski resorts such as Tochal, Dizin, Shemshak, Darbandsar and Sahand and announced them as international ski resorts.

Prior to this, only 4 Iranian ski resorts were recognized as international destinations. Now with the addition of these 9 ski resorts, the number of international ski resorts in Iran reached to 13.

According Shahmoradpour, internationalization of these ski resorts is an effective way in introducing Iranian ski resorts to the world which would pave the way to attract the professional skiers to these ski resorts and holding of international ski competitions in the country.

Iranian ski resorts enjoy the third highest quality among the Asian countries after China, South Korea, and Japan.

“The certificates of these ski resorts will be issued in March 2006; thus holding international competitions in them will be possible from next winter,” said Morteza Saveh Shemshaki, head of Tehran Ski Association.

In addition to attracting the foreign athletes to the country, holding international competitions in Iranian international ski resorts will result in introducing Iran’s tourism potentials which will be a good start for developing sport tourism in this field.

Quality of lifting machines and the slope and height of a ski resort are the criteria which are being considered by the World Ski Federation to designate it as an international ski resort.

So far, 15 international ski competitions on snow and 9 international grass ski competitions have been held in Shemshak snow ski resort and Dizin grass ski area.

15-Day Visa to be Issued for Foreign Tourists

Tehran, 1 February 2006 (CHN) -- Public Relations Office of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Iran announced that according to the recent agreements between cabinet ministers, a 15-day visa will be issued for all foreign tourists who want to visit Iran.

The duration of this visa may be extended to one month if applied before visa’s expiration date. However, based on this new rule, the extension of the visa to more than one month requires the approval of Iran’s Ministry of Interior.

First Asian Snow Polo Championship to be Held in Iran



Tehran, 6 February 2006 (CHN) -- Iran’s Polo Federation is to hold a snow polo championship for the first time in the history of this sport. This is also the first time that these competitions are held in an Asian country.

These games will start on 12th of February near Abali Ski Resort, during which 4 domestic clubs will compete with each other. According to Hooman Bagheri Fakhr, Secretary of Iran’s Polo Federation, the field in which the championship is to be held has been leveled and prepared to hold the game.

“The teams will compete 7 minutes in 4 chukkers*. The land is covered with snow and ready for the championship,” said Bagheri Fakhr.

According to Bagheri Fakhr, some seats are considered for the viewers; and watching the championship is free of charge for everyone.

Snow polo was originated in St. Moritz in 1986, and then increased popularity in other countries such as the United States and Russia. Germany and France also have some clubs, although not fully professional ones, in the respect.

This year’s championships are held at a less professional level. However, Iran’s Polo Federation is determined to hold professional snow polo championships in the country in the near future.

The standard polo field is about 200x300 meters, in which two 4-member teams compete. If the land is smaller, the members of each team may reduce to 3 persons.

Polo is an ancient sport that was invented in 525 BC and continued to today. Based on the historical documents, Iran was the origin of this sport.


_____________
* A polo match lasts about one to one-half hours and is divided into timed periods called chukkers. Thus a chukker is one of four periods in a polo match which lasts for 7 minutes. Most often polo teams play 4 chukkers. In some international championships the number of chukkers reaches 6 to 8.

Iran-Indonesia to Implement Tourism Cooperation

Tehran, 7 February 2006 (CHN) -- Esfaniar Rahim Mashaei, director general of Iran’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (ICHTO), left Tehran yesterday for Jakarta to pursue the case of tourism cooperation between Iran and Indonesia according to the memorandum of understanding signed previously between the two countries. Mashaei is going to attend in the International Conference of Cultural Tourism and Local Community which will be held in Indonesia.

The memorandum of understanding for tourism cooperation was signed between Iran and Indonesia by Indonesia’s Minister of Trade and Industry and Iran’s former Minister of Culture in November/December 2002. During his visit to Jakarta, Mashaei is going to study the practical approaches in order to put into action this memorandum of understanding and include it in the programs of the eighth cabinet ministers.

Issuing a 2-3 day transit visa for Indonesian on their way to Mecca in Saudi Arabia is one of the other agendas which will be discussed during the talks of both parties.

“If both countries reach to an agreement in this respect, ICHTO will hold some appropriate seasonal tours for Indonesian hajjis during their stay in Iran,” said Ahmad Torkavand, Eastern Asia expert of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Iran.

Isfahan, the Biggest Habitat of Iran’s Gazelle



Tehran, 8 February 2006 (CHN) -- Isfahan Province enjoys enormous mountains, pastures and parks, from which three national parks of Kolah Qazi, Mouteh and Qomishloo are the most significant ones.

National Park of Kolah Qazi, with an area of about 50,000 hectares, is located southeast of Isfahan. Asphalted Road of Isfahan-Shiraz passes from its northern and western sides. The northwestern corner of the park is located at a distance of about 36 km to the city of Isfahan.

There are several parallel mountain ranges in this region which stretch from the northwest to the southeast. The mountain range of Sheidan is located in this park, giving it a beautiful outlook.

National Park of Kolah Qazi is a rocky region in which, in addition to the grassy plant cover, there are different types of trees and plants which are grown in different spots of the valleys and hills. Moreover, there are abundant bushes and medicinal herbs which are very rare and also interesting for the regional people.

Kolah Qazi is a suitable habitation for different species of mammals, creeping animals and birds, some of which are endangered and under tight protection.

The Wildlife Shelter of Mouteh is located 270 km south of the capital city of Tehran in the Village of Mouteh. It enjoys two plain and mountainous parts, and is between 1,900 to 3,000 meters above the sea level at different places.

This region is the best habitation of gazelle in Iran which is allocated for breeding, multiplying and preventing the gazelles from extinction. Existence of different and diverse natural hills and plains, the salty grounds of the region along with the protection of the officials all have provided a suitable habitation in this area for these gazelles. Hunting in this area requires an authorized license.

The Wildlife Shelter of Qomishloo is located northwest of Isfahan, 25 km from the city of Isfahan and 15 km from the city of Tiran. Just like the two natural habitats of Kolah Qazi and Mouteh, this region is one of the best habitations of the country in terms of having a vast number of different species of mammals, birds and creeping animals.

These national parks are among the most visited tourism attraction sites of Isfahan Province.

Tourists to Take Advantage of CHN’s Tourism Card



Tehran, 12 February 2006 (CHN) -- CHN’s Tourism Card will be published in a near future, which will provide special tourism services and discounts for some goods for the owners of these cards. Cultural Heritage News Agency (CHN) will implement the tourism cards initiative project for the first time in Iran’s tourism industry with the cooperation of some big tourism and industrial agencies.

A large number of companies, organizations, and economical agencies active in tourism industry will cooperate in different fields such as transportation, accommodation, entertainment, and handicrafts in performing the project of the tourism cards. A full list of the hotels, companies, and transportation services which are going to cooperate in this project by providing their services to tourists along with their detailed information will be published in a pamphlet and will be available to tourists who buy CHN’s tourism cards.

Iran’s Tourism Attractions Advertised in BBC & Al-Arabia

Tehran, 12 February 2006 (CHN) -- Introducing Iran’s tourism attractions in international channels such as BBC and Al-Arabia is one of the main objectives of marketing and advertising programs of Iran’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) followed by in 2006 and 2007.

“Advertising policies of ICHTO in foreign media have not changed; and we will announce the details of our advertising programs in the near future. The amount of budget for this program will be determined by Iran’s Parliament,” said Hossein Hatefi, head of marketing and advertising headquarter of ICHTO.

Based on article no. 7 of Iran’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization, this organization is obliged to introduce Iran’s cultural heritage and tourism attractions through national and international media and broadcasts while all executive organizations of Iran are supposed to cooperate with ICHTO in this respect.

Despite some disapproval, this project started in 2005 in some international channels and news networks such as BBC and Al-Arabia. Although some say that the advertising teasers are not appropriate enough, others believe that these advertisings will introduce Iran’s tourism attractions and create new images of Iran in the public opinion of the world.

Spain to Establish Tourism School in Chabahar

Tehran, 18 February 2006 (CHN) -- The primary agreements to set up a tourism school in the City of Chabahar in Sistan va Baluchestan Province was achieved between Iranian officials and their Spanish counterparts.

“The final contract will be signed after the visit of foreign side investors from the region and ultimate assessment of the costs,” announced Ismaeil Shafipour, managing director of Chabahar Recreational & Tourism Company.

Shafipour also added, “The second round of negotiations between the officials of Chabahar Free Zone and Spanish investors ended and it is scheduled that initial studies regarding the assessment of the costs and other necessary measures be carried out soon.”

“The Spanish body is to make a visit to Chabahar this week in order to be acquainted with the investment potentials and specifications of the region,” he pointed out.

As to the different courses which are going to be taught in Chabahar tourism school, Shafipour said that, “hotel management, tour operation and hosting are among the different courses which will be taught by Spanish professors.”

According to the managing director of Chabahar Recreational & Tourism Company, in addition to the Iranian students, students of other Persian Gulf countries, Pakistan and other neighboring nations can attend the tourism school of Chabahar as well.

great news.

SOURCE: http://www.chn.ir/en/news/?section=1&id=1639

Karkheh Dam to become Center for Water Sports


Karkheh Dam and the largest water
reservoir in the Middle East which is
created by it were chosen to become
active center for water sports in Iran.

Tehran, 29 April 2006 (CHN) -- Considering the potentials of Karkheh Dam, the biggest reservoir dam in the Middle East built in Khuzestan province, Iranian authorities have decided to transform this place into the center for water sports.

“Recently, head of Olympic Sport Committee of Iran, paid a visit to Kharkheh Dam, which is the largest reservoir dam in the Middle East. He was accompanied by governor of Andimeshk and the cities representative in the Iranian Parliament. During his visit, he noticed the potential this dam has to be used as water sports center,” said Sadegh Mohammadi, director of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Khuzestan province.

According to Mohammadi, the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Khuzestan province has started some negotiations with Iran’s Rowing Federation and Iranian Sport Organization to provide some facilities for this project and to attract sport tourists.

“Considering the existence of appropriate infrastructures such as airport, railway, highways, etc. some ideal conditions can be provided to attract sport tourists to this area,” added Mohammadi.

Kharkheh Dam is built on Karkheh River flowing northwest of the city of Andimeshk in Khuzestan province. This dam is the biggest reservoir dam in the Middle East and the 6th largest in the world. Having a 300-kilometer shore, Kharkheh Dam has a reserve capacity of 7.3 billion cubic meters of water available for agricultural and power-generation purposes.

Shourabil to turn into an International Tourism Destination

Shourabil to turn into an International Tourism Destination

With Shourabil Lake in Ardabil province officially announced as an international tourism destination, the number of Iran’s distinguished tourism destinations reached to 42.

Tehran, 30 April 2006 (CHN) -- With the approval of Iran’s cabinet ministers, Shourabil Lake in Ardabil province, northwest of Iran, was announced as an international tourism destination and Sar’ein tourism village in this province was announced as a model for national tourism attraction sites. This plan was originally proposed by Iran’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization. Following this approval, the number of special tourism destinations in Iran reached to 42.

In addition to Sar’ein tourism village and Shourabil Lake in Ardabil province, Boujeh Park and Parandineh in Markazi Province, and Gamasyab and the garden of Sun City in Hamadan province have been chosen as special tourism destinations.

Those areas will be distinguished as international tourism destinations, which have been designed and equipped in a way to provide sufficient facilities to attract foreign tourists to the area and should enjoy an area of at least 300 hectares.

According to Akbar Farhikhteh, deputy director of the Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization of Ardabil province, having a 420 hectare area, the Shourabil district has two hotels, namely Shourabil and Sahel, specially equipped for the accommodation of tourists. There are also some entertainment centers, university, international exhibition and a wildlife museum in the area besides the relatively big Shourabil Lake.

Farhikhteh said that by placing Shourabil in the list of international tourism destinations, some special budget will be allotted to developing this area in order to change it into a desirable tourism destination.

Another tourism destination in Ardabil province is the 100-hectare Sar’ein tourism village which is next to the city of Sar’ein. This village has a series of entertainment centers, lodgings, and tourism areas which are still under construction. More than two and half million US dollars are needed to finish the project which will be provided by the private sector. It is estimated that it will take 7 years to complete the project. Having 100 lodgings, Sar’ein tourism region hosts around 4 million tourists each year. More budget is needed to provide enough facilities for this region.

A model national tourism place should have at least 100 hectare area and it should be designed in a way to fulfill the tastes of different tourists who come to the region from different parts of the country.

International Bicycle Championship to be Held in Iran



Eight teams from foreign countries have
announced their readiness to participate
in the twenty first session of Azarbaijan
international bicycle race.

Tehran, 1 May 2006 (CHN) -- Eight teams from Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Uzbekistan, Australia, Qatar, and Sri Lanka have announced their willingness to take part in the 21st session of Azarbaijan international bicycle racing which will be held from 20-30 of May 2006 in Azarbaijan province, northwest of Iran. 2000 US dollars will be awarded to the champion of the race.

The races will be held in eight main stages and one ranking round. The path of the race will be 1256 kilometers long and the ranking round will be held in a 40 kilometer trail.

During the first stage, cyclists will cover a distance of 199 kilometers between Tabriz and Kalibar, the second stage will be 215 kilometers between Kalibar and Ardabil, the third is the 180 kilometer distance between Sarab and Mianeh, the fourth stage is the 180 kilometer distance between Mianeh and Maragheh, the fifth will be a one day long team time trail racing in the city of Bonab, the sixth stage is the 157 distance between Malekan and Uromia, the seventh stage will be the 165 kilometer distance between Uromia and Sharafkhaneh, and finally the eighth and the last stage will be the 70-kilometer distance between Shabestar and Tabriz all in the provinces of East and West Azarbaijan, northwest of the country.

According to Khaleghi, secretary of Bicycling Federation of Iran, based on the new regulations of the World Bicycle Federation, 900 Switzerland Frank will be awarded to the winners of each round while 2000 US dollars will be awarded to the winner who earns the highest point.

Good news

ok cool next time add some more zeros to the reward.