A total of thirty dams throughout Iran are designated as tourist destinations, said Ghasem Taqizadeh Khamesi, deputy energy minister of water and wastewater affairs on Sunday.

The official said that the total budget for development of tourist infrastructure in the dam was 1,300 billion rials (about $30 million at the official rate of 42,000 rials).

It is estimated that, when fully operated, water tourism in the dams would generate direct jobs 3,000.

“We have negotiated with several tourism agencies to arrange water tours, and it seems that people are keen to learn how potable water is produced within dam zones,” the official said.

The official noted that 182 national dams were constructed in the country, most of which could be destinations of tourism.

In May 2019, the Minister of Energy initiated with the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicraft a memorandum of understanding to pave the way for the start of dam tourism.

While most of Iran consists of dry and semi-arid lands, the country has many waterfalls, rivers and wetlands that offer picturesque views of nature lovers and environmentalists, bird watchers, backpackers and fishers.

Water tourism includes travel to specific locations for water-based activities.

Some people who do not want to take part in water activities embark on tourist excursions to visit tourist sites near lakes, seas or even dams.

Water tourists frequently travel independently, although travel companies organise group trips.