The Iranian government has announced its plans to establish the island of Abu Musa - part of a six-island archipelago in the eastern Persian Gulf - as a major new tourist destination.

Iran vice president and Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organisation (ICHTO) head Seyed Hassan Mousavi said the government aims to promote tourism in the region.

Mousavi also said plans to establish the "exemplary tourism spot" at Abu Musa have been designed to attract overseas tourists to the area, while generating revenue for local people.

"The step intends to promote tourism industry in the region and maximise the high potential of the island," Mousavi was quoted as saying by the CHTN agency.

The 12sq km (4.6-mile) Abu Musa island is administered by Iran as part of the province of Hormozgan, but is also subject to a claim by the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, a 1,800sq m (19,375sq ft) regional museum is to be established by combining three buildings in Kurdistan in order to attract more tourists to the region.

Cultural heritage deputy to Kurdistan CHTO Alireza Azarshab told CHTN: "By joining Khowsroabad edifice, Asef building and Moshir edifice, Kurdistan regional museum will be established."

Details: www.chtn.ir (Abu Musa)

Details: www.chtn.ir (Kurdistan)