The experience-based Dragon Boat racing event in the waters of the Persian Gulf was held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Bandar Abbas. This event, in collaboration with the Dragon Boat Federation of the province and with the participation of a group of tour guides and the presence of a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and several tourism activists, created an opportunity for tourism professionals to closely familiarize themselves with one of the marine sports and recreational capacities in this region.
Marine Tourism Capacities of Hormozgan
Salim Mohammadi, the Deputy of Tourism at the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Hormozgan, referred to the extensive capacities of Hormozgan in the field of marine tourism at this event. He stated that the long beaches, special geographical location, and access to the waters of the Persian Gulf provide the groundwork for the development of recreational and marine sports activities in the province. Dragon Boat racing, as a group sport that is fun and exciting, can become one of the attractive experiences for tourists in Bandar Abbas.
New Experiences for Tourists
Mohammadi emphasized the importance of experience-based events, noting that these events allow tourists to directly participate in recreational and cultural activities instead of merely observing attractions. Dragon Boat racing, by creating a lively atmosphere based on teamwork, can provide a different experience of traveling to Hormozgan for tourists and help diversify the province's tourism products.
The Deputy of Tourism at the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage also pointed to the need for developing marine tourism by introducing diverse capacities and providing new experiences for tourists. Promoting activities like Dragon Boat racing can create more motivation for traveling to Bandar Abbas alongside the province's natural, historical, and cultural attractions. Familiarizing tour guides with these activities can also facilitate better introduction of these capacities to tourists and inclusion of marine sports experiences in travel itineraries.
In conclusion, Mohammadi mentioned the capabilities of Hormozgan's Dragon Boat athletes and the international medals won by team members, stating that the province's possession of skilled and honorable athletes is a valuable asset for introducing and developing this sport. The connection between sports capacities and the tourism industry can help promote local capabilities of Hormozgan while boosting marine recreational activities and increasing the destination's attractiveness for both domestic and foreign tourists.
