TEHRAN – National training workshops for eco-lodge operators have begun across Iran, the head of the Iranian association for eco-lodge operators said on Saturday.

Yavar Abiri said the workshops are being held nationwide to promote environmental approaches in the management of eco-lodges.

He said the aim is to create a coherent national framework for eco-lodge training, Miras Aria reported.

“The first workshop will be held for the first time in Gilan province, in cooperation with the provincial eco-lodge association...,” Abiri said.

He added that the next course will take place in Yazd province with the participation of the provincial association and a local training institute. The plan will then be implemented on a pilot basis in other provinces that have the required capacity and readiness.

Abiri said the program will be carried out in stages to facilitate the development of free and systematic training nationwide and to contribute to improving professional standards in the country’s eco-lodges.

He said the workshops will be conducted through a participatory approach and will be held both in person and online simultaneously to enable eco-lodge operators across Iran to attend.

Abiri underlined the initiative goes beyond a single training course and seeks to promote networking among eco-lodges, enhance specialized knowledge and professional standards, examine field challenges and address them through targeted training, conduct needs assessments among operators, and strengthen sustainable, environmental and management approaches at the national level.

“Many professional challenges in the eco-lodge sector can be managed and resolved through practical training, exchange of experience and skills enhancement,” he said. “These workshops have been designed with that perspective.”

He invited managers and operators of eco-lodges across the country to participate in the program and contribute to the development of a national training movement in the sector.

Over the past several years, numerous eco-lodges have been established across Iran to increase accommodation capacity and expand tourism infrastructure.

Eco-lodges in Iran are typically developed in rural or natural settings and are often based on traditional architectural styles. Many are restored traditional houses built with local materials such as adobe, mud brick, stone and wood.

Their architectural features generally reflect regional design patterns, including central courtyards, windcatchers in desert areas, sloped roofs in northern provinces and compact structures in mountainous areas.

Experts say that these accommodations aim to provide visitors with an experience connected to local culture, environment and community life, while generating income for rural residents and encouraging the preservation of traditional building techniques and landscapes.

AM