Iran, Afghanistan seek to bolster tourism ties

TEHRAN – Iran and Afghanistan are set to extend mutual tourism ties both in the current coronavirus era and when the pandemic is contained.  

Qatar 2022 World Cup a window of opportunity for Iran tourism, deputy minister says

TEHRAN – Iran should take the advantage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by its neighbor Qatar, as an ample opportunity to encourage its tourism sector, deputy tourism minister has said.

Coronavirus: world tourist arrivals fall by more than 70%

TEHRAN – World tourist arrivals fell by 72% over the first ten months of the year, according to data compiled by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Iran halts UK flights over new COVID strain

TEHRAN – Iran has halted flights to and from the United Kingdom following the discovery of a new variant of COVID-19, which is said to spread faster than others.

1.5 million lose work in Iran as COVID hits tourism market

TEHRAN – The coronavirus epidemic has ruined more than 1.5 million jobs in Iran’s travel sector, tourism minister Ali-Asghar Mounesan said on Saturday.

A taste of Iran: Khoresht Mast

TEHRAN - In Persian cuisine, the term ‘khoresht’ mostly refers to thick, usually sour stews which are served as main meals alongside a rice dish.

Mobile phone registry to be simplified at Tehran airport

TEHRAN - Mobile phone registry will go online for inbound passengers arriving at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport.

Explore Malayer, a world city of woodcarving

Tehran - Wood carving is one of the oldest arts of humankind. Wooden spears from the Middle Paleolithic, as an example, reveal how humans have engaged in utilitarian woodwork for millennia.

Six historical objects identified in Siraf port

TEHRAN – A total of six historical objects have recently been identified in the ancient port of Siraf in southwest Iran.

7,000-year-old Tepe Hesar to be step closer for being global

TEHRAN – A restoration and landscaping project will soon be commenced on Tepe Hesar in northcentral Iran with the aim of having the 7,000 year-old archaeological hill prepared for a possible UNESCO registration.

Semnan to set up bureau to help safeguard historic texture 

TEHRAN – The Iranian city of Semnan is to set up a special cultural heritage bureau to bolster the conservation of its historic texture. 

‘First’ creative house of handicrafts set to make debut in Alborz

Tehran – The first creative house of handicrafts is set to make debut in Alborz province in close collaboration with state-run institutes, crafters, and private investors, provincial tourism chief announced on Saturday.  

By Afshin Majlesi

The disabled and fresh start for corona-hit tourism

Booking services, airports, transport facilities, hotel rooms, restaurants, public places, equipment rentals, and tourist attractions, or dealing with an untrained travel-related staff, all could be tough and time-consuming for people with disabilities who are left behind in many tourism destinations.

Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari could become biggest tourism hub of Iran: Rouhani

TEHRAN – Iranian president Hasaan Rouhani has said Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari, which is currently an under-the-radar destination, has [enormous] potential to become the biggest tourism hub of the country, CHTN reported on Monday.

National handicraft expo to remain online during pandemic

TEHRAN - The 34th national handicrafts exhibition of Iran, which is currently underway online due to coronavirus restrictions, will be extending for the months to come.

Quran inscriptions, ancient rhytons added to national heritage list

TEHRAN – A total of seven relics, including ancient copies of the holy Quran, and centuries-old rhytons, have recently been inscribed on Iran’s National Cultural Heritage list.

Bastam builds bicycle path to expand tourism

TEHRAN – Construction of a bicycle path has been commenced in Bastam in a bid to expand the tourism charms of the ancient tiny town, which is situated in north-central Iran.

Zahhak castle more reachable as stone walkway completed

TEHRAN – Zahhak castle has now become more reachable to modern visitors as a stone pedestrian walkway has been finalized to the once unconquerable monument.

New study tells tale of shipwreck found in northern Iran

TEHRAN – A fresh scientific study has shed a new light on the fate of a centuries-old shipwreck, which was found in 2005 in northern Iran.

Constructors agree to cut one story for sake of UNESCO site 

TEHRAN – Owners of a multi-storey building, which is being constructed adjacent to the famed Golestan Palace in downtown Tehran, have ultimately agreed to eliminate one floor to preserve the endangered visual landspade of the UNESCO-registered site. 

Russia to offer e-visas to Iranian tourists as of early 2021

TEHRAN –Russian Ambassador to Iran Levan Dzhagaryan has said Iran his country will be offering electronic visas to travelers from Iran as of February 2021.  

Protective roofs covering ‘city of the mouthless’

TEHRAN – Several protective roofs, supported by steel and concrete columns and bases, are being constructed over the ancient Shahr-e Yeri, an archaeological site and cemetery referred to as the “city of the mouthless”.

Iran to extend travel restrictions as of Nov. 21

TEHRAN – Iran will extend restrictions on non-essential travels as of November 21, attempting to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus cuts Iran tourist arrivals by 72%: UNWTO

TEHRAN – International tourist arrivals to Iran plunged 72% during the first eight months of the year when compared to 2019, the World Tourism Organization reported, highlighting the severe impact of COVID-19 as the main factor.

Corona tests compulsory for travelers as of Nov. 18

TEHRAN – The National Headquarters for Coronavirus Control has issued a directive, based on which corona tests will be mandatory as of November 18 upon entry and exit for passengers during air, land, and sea travels.