CEO urges strategic partnership to boost tourism on Kish Island

TEHRAN – On Sunday, the CEO of Kish Free Zone Organization highlighted the crucial role of the governmental and private sectors collaboration with an eye toward boosting tourism on the massive coral island, which is situated in the Persian Gulf.

Speaking in a meeting with economic and tourism stakeholders, Rahim Sarhangi stressed that the private sector should adopt a long-term perspective when it comes to attracting tourists, avoiding short-term gains that might jeopardize the tourism industry.

Addressing concerns about price disparities across different areas of the island, Sarhangi dismissed blaming the private sector entirely and called for increased market supervision.

He also emphasized the organization’s commitment to enhancing constructive interaction with the private sector.

Sarhangi announced plans to bring in specialized consultants to devise strategies for sustainable tourism development on the island, warning against allowing the tourism industry on Kish Island to succumb to stagnation.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the CEO outlined the priority of safeguarding the rights of tourists.

Discussing government policies, Sarhangi criticized the allocation of travel currency as a hindrance to domestic tourism growth.

Mentioning the harm caused by managerial instability within the Kish Free Zone Organization in the past, Sarhangi assured stakeholders that every effort would be made to elevate Kish’s economic standing and contribute to the country’s economic development.

 Here is a selection attractions on the island:

Underground city

Not many people travel to Kish for its historical attractions, so it surprises them to know that Kish has one of the oldest underground cities in Iran, Kariz Underground City. Kariz literally means Qanat or aqueduct. Kariz was built some 2,500 years ago by the inhabitants of the Harireh city in order to collect pure water.

Harireh

Located in the central, northern part of the island, the 8th-century Harireh offers a glimpse of ancient architecture, and though not much of it remains intact today, the ruins suggest a once-thriving region. Excavation of this site estimates it having been established around 1000 and abandoned 600 years later.

Greek Ship

Khoula F., known by the locals as the Greek Ship, has been anchored on the southwest coast of the island since 1966. The ship was built in Britain and changed owners several times before reaching the last owner, who was Greek. The Greek Ship has become a major Kish tourist attraction in recent years, where hundreds of people gather on the beach to watch the beautiful view of the sunset in the evening.

Coral beach

Located on the east side of the island, this beach is named for the beautiful coral that can be found there. The coast is lined with pergolas, which, along with the palm trees and landscaping, provide an especially panoramic view. This beach is a particularly popular site to watch an unforgettable sunrise. Many of the sea sports clubs are also located here, making it easy to make reservations for any of the activities.

Green tree complex

The north of the island, a particularly green area known as the Portuguese Valley, is the location of the Green Tree Complex, which was built around one of the oldest lur (banyan) trees. Said to be around 600 years old. Many believe this tree is auspicious and come here to make a wish and tie a thread around the thick twisted branches to make it come true, a necessary act for finding your soulmate! The rest of the complex provides a wonderful green space in which to relax with a glass of hot Persian tea or perhaps a cold ice cream.

Dolphin park

The Kish Dolphin Park is a 100-hectare massive entertainment park located in the southeastern part of Kish Island. It hosts over 20 types of sea mammals, including dolphins, sea lions, catfish, walruses, and penguins. There are buses inside the facility that you can take to visit the different parts of the park, including the dolphinarium, the bird park, and the different pools that host different sea mammals.

Bird garden

The bird garden is situated inside the Dolphin Park with more than 57 bird species, including Pelicans, Ostriches, Blue & Yellow Macaw, and different kinds of Storks, Toco Toucans, Turacos, Swans, African Penguins, and rare species like Marsh Crocodiles.

Theme park

The Ocean Water Park is the first themed water park in Iran that was opened in January 2017. This outdoor park is themed around the story of the Mystery of the Sun Castle, implemented by the Disney legend and veteran architect Ahmad Jafari.

The theme park employs over 400 staff and contains 13 rides, four swimming pools, and one spa, in addition to two restaurants, four beverage stops and coffee shops, and two shopping areas. In the first six months after its opening, the Ocean Water Park set new records in Kish Iran tourism by attracting over 80 thousand tourists.

Recreational pier

Kish Grand Recreational Pier was built with steel piling and wooden decks with four side-deck spaces by Iranian experts. This pier is 437 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 10 thousand square meters in area. Its construction did not damage the marine habitat.