Saturday, August 24, 2024 Iran explores shark tourism in Chabahar, aiming to boost non-oil revenue and enhance eco-tourism by leveraging the unique marine resources of the Sea of Oman. The study was carried out under the auspices of Iran’s National Science Foundation, targeting the enhancement of eco-tourism sectors across the nation, according to IRNA. The foundation emphasizes that eco-tourism, which focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources, plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development.
Ghazilou emphasized that aligning with Iran’s 20-year national vision, which focuses on increasing non-oil revenues and decreasing dependence on oil exports, a detailed feasibility study for initiating shark tourism in Chabahar could play a pivotal role in capitalizing on the distinctive marine assets of the Sea of Oman for economic benefits. He also mentioned that this project could significantly boost Iran’s standing as a premier destination for shark tourism services in the region. The research delved into four critical elements of the shark tourism sector in the Chabahar waters: the varieties of sharks present, the interest level among Iranians for shark tourism, and the possibilities for creating competitive diving clubs in the area.
Ghazilou noted that merging this sector with other established nature tourism activities in the region, such as dolphin and bird-watching tours and visits to mangrove forests, could further propel the growth of the tourism industry. He proposed that integrating these diverse tourism offerings into a unified marine tourism package could attract more tourists to the region. Shark tourism, a niche within eco-tourism, involves diving with sharks in their natural environments, providing both thrill and an avenue to support marine conservation.
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