“Taru”: From a Love of Nature and Restoring an Old Building to Being Named the Country’s Top Homestay

The Taru homestay offers tourists a distinctive rural living experience, drawing on local architecture, warm hospitality, and the introduction of local rituals and attractions.

According to Aria's Heritage Reporter, "Tru" eco-tourism resort has been operating since 1400; A collection whose formation is rooted in the 17 years of nature tourism and mountain climbing experience of its director and aims to introduce the culture, customs, local foods and natural attractions of Mazandaran to tourists.

Ezzatullah Karimi, the director of the Trou eco-tourism resort, said, referring to the background of the formation of this collection: my interest in nature tourism and mountaineering and the experience of being in different natural areas became the basis for my entry into the field of eco-tourism. In the same way, around 2018, I participated in courses related to local guidance and activities in ecotourism residences held by the Sepenta Rozhan Babol Institute, and these trainings ignited the spark of creating a native residence in my mind.

He added: In 2019, I bought a land with an area of 1,500 square meters along with an old building worth 1.2 billion tomans. Despite the high cost of purchase and the difficulties of restoration, personal interest in this work made me continue the path and I did about 80% of the restoration work myself. This complex was put into operation in 1400 and until now I have not received bank facilities for its establishment.

Karimi explained about the naming of this residence: The name "Tru" is derived from a river of the same name, which is located at a distance of about one kilometer from the residence and its source is in Filband region.

Continuous presence in tourism and cultural events

Explaining the reasons for choosing this complex as the first rank of Mazandaran Eco Tours, the director of Trou Ecotourism Resort said: This position was not easily achieved. Of course, this choice is due to the kindness and trust of the officials and activists of this field, and I believe that there are other well-established and capable residences operating in the province that deserve attention.

He continued: Active participation in the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition in recent years, participation in the Iran Ecotourism Conference in November 1403 in Ferdous city of South Khorasan with the presence of about 400 residences from 31 provinces of the country, participation in the first celebration of Iran Ecotourism Day in May 1404 and participation in the following programs of this event in Tehran and Shahrood are among the activities that I have followed to introduce this collection and the tourism capacities of the region.

Referring to the importance of participating in cultural and ritual festivals, Karimi said: Participating in seven periods of the "Desho" festival in Bandpi and Galia city from 1396 to 1404, four periods of Asal Kenel Festival in Bandpi from 1402 to 1405 and the ritual festival "Marme" in Firouzjah of Bandpi, have been part of my activities to introduce the culture and customs of the region.

He added: I appear in these programs with full traditional coverage; Because I believe that the introduction of native culture should happen in practice. Preparing and participating in such events sometimes takes at least a week and makes me stay away from my daily work, but introducing the cultural authenticity of Mazandaran is valuable to me.

native architecture; The main identity of the residence

The manager of Trou Ecotourism considered the native architecture of the building as one of the distinguishing features of this complex and said: One of the reasons for the reception of tourists is the harmony of the accommodation space with the native identity of the region. When the architecture, decoration, local food and hospitality are put together, the guest can experience a part of the atmosphere of local life and this issue has a great impact on his satisfaction.

Emphasizing that the purpose of this collection is not just to make money, he said: My main purpose is to introduce the culture and customs, local lifestyle, local foods and the nature of the region to the guests who travel to Mazandaran. I would like the tourist to get to know part of the real identity of the region in addition to staying.

Referring to the variety of tourists of this residence, Karimi added: Our guests include different groups; From families who come to the area to spend free time, to tourist guides who run night programs and visits to waterfalls. Also, some people stay in this complex for business missions, and tourism guidance courses and survival in nature are also held there.

From visiting waterfalls to experiencing village life

Referring to the experience-oriented programs of this complex, the director of the Trou ecotourism resort said: According to the requests of tourists, the program for visiting waterfalls, forest areas and natural attractions is implemented. We also try to provide the guests with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the local life, including the experience of being in rural houses and getting to know the lifestyle of the Galesh people.

He evaluated the role of the local community in the development of ecotourism activities and added: At the beginning of the activity, some residents were sensitive to the presence of tourists in the village; But gradually and by creating income opportunities for people, the conditions changed. Selling local products, providing services to tourists, and using local cars to move and visit attractions provided the basis for more participation of residents.

He continued: I even suggested to some residents to use the tourism capacity of the area by setting up rental houses, and after a few years, one of the residents also started such an activity in the neighborhood of this complex. I believe that the more the benefits of tourism reach the local people, the more their participation will increase.

ecotourism; An opportunity for sustainable rural employment

Karimi said about the role of ecotourism residences in creating employment and preventing the migration of villagers: Ecotourism is definitely effective in creating employment. The activity of a residence can create job opportunities for service forces, cooks and local guides, and besides that, selling local products and providing services to tourists also helps the income of rural households.

He added: If this activity is properly managed, it can become a good source of income for rural families and increase the motivation to stay and economic activity in the village.

Unauthorized rental houses; One of the challenges of ecotourism

Referring to the challenges of ecotourism residences in Mazandaran, the Director of Ecotourism said: One of the main problems is the number of unauthorized rental houses that provide services to tourists without complying with the necessary criteria and sometimes at any price and conditions. This situation can make it difficult to compete for accommodations that meet the required legal, educational, and standards fees.

He demanded that the institutions in charge of this issue be seriously dealt with and emphasized that more effective monitoring and follow-up is necessary so that the rights of authorized tourism operators who spend money on training, compliance with principles and providing appropriate services are not violated.

True development plans for the future

Referring to the future plans of this group, Karimi said: winning first place is not the end of the road and I have bigger goals for the future. The development of accommodation units and the provision of new services are among the programs that I hope will be implemented when the conditions are met.

He added: "As a small member of Iran's big ecotourism family, I am trying to play a role in introducing the cultural and natural capacities of the region and improving the tourism status of Mazandaran."

The manager of this residence said about the experience he offers to tourists: Our effort is to create happy memories for our guests with a warm welcome, appropriate guidance and introducing the natural and cultural attractions of the region. The repetition of tourism programs by the guides who come to this region from Tehran shows that these experiences have been able to gain their satisfaction.

Bright future of rural tourism with targeted support

Expressing hope for the future of rural tourism in Mazandaran, he said: In recent years, the acceptance of rural areas has increased and tourists are more inclined to purchase local products directly from producers. An issue that can help the prosperity of the village economy.

In the end, Karimi emphasized: In addition to the efforts and management of activists in this area, the future of ecotourism depends on the support of government agencies. We expect the necessary support from the real activists of this sector in difficult economic and operational conditions so that we can fulfill our responsibility towards tourists, the local community and introduce the culture of Mazandaran in the best way.