TEHRAN – A total of 22 new eco-lodges were inaugurated across Hormozgan during the past Iranian calendar year 1398 (ended March 20) in a bid to improve hospitality sector in the southern Iranian province.

“22 eco-lodges were inaugurated in Hormozgan during the past year, of which six are located in Hormuz Island, five in Lark Island, four in Bandar Abbas, …...,” provincial tourism chief Reza Boroumand said on Saturday, CHTN reported.

“Construction and inauguration of eco-lodge units in rural areas play an important role in attracting more tourists and expand employment opportunities for local communities,” the official explained.

Experts say each eco-lodge unit generates jobs for seven to eight people on the average so that the scheme could create around 160,000 jobs.

Having a very diverse natural setting, Iran offers varied excursions to nature lovers. Sightseers may live with a nomad or rural family or enjoy an independent stay. The country is home to abundant historical mansions, caravanserais, bathhouses, madrasas, and other massive monuments, which can buttress its budding tourism and hospitality sectors if managed appropriately and refurbished properly.

AFM/MG