Tehran, Nov 19, IRNA -- The first Iranian hut hotel will be established in Qaleh Ganj city, in southern Kerman Province by mid-March 2016, said the deputy head of the provincial Cultural Heritage, Handicraft and Tourism department.

Mohammad Jahanshahi added Mostazafan and Janbazan Foundation (Foundation for the Oppressed and Disabled) has implemented the project at a cost of $666.6 million.

He noted that the hotel, with 31 huts with a capacity of 60 guests, has been designed according to regional culture and architectural styles.

Jahanshahi said the huts are made of local plants particularly palm fronds.

He said government officials would participate in the inaugural ceremony of the hotel, built in an area of one hectare on the road interconnecting Kerman and Hormuzgan.

The official noted that all goods, equipments and handicrafts used in the huts are produced by local inhabitants.

He called on the managers of tour and travel agencies to organize winter tours for tourists willing to experience lodging in such huts.

'Foreign tourists will certainly be eager to stay in such dwelling', he said.

Jahanshahi pointed out that the historical cities of Jiroft and Kahnooj as well as Jazmourian Wetland are among the top destinations which could draw a large number of tourists to the southern regions of Kerman Province.

A hut, called Kapar in Persian, is a primitive dwelling, which may be constructed out of various local materials. Huts follow a type of local design because they are built of materials which are readily available such as wood, snow, ice, stone, grass, palm fronds, branches, hides, fabric, and/or clay using techniques passed down through the generations.

Iran has found its way back on travel agencies' pamphlets following a surge in demand among Western tourists.

Shortly after signing of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in July, French daily Le Figaro called the agreement 'a boon for travel agencies'. Citing French tour operators, the article reported a five-fold increase in demand to visit Iran among French travellers.

By IRNA