TEHRAN – The head of the Tourism Commission of Yazd Islamic City Council has called for closer cooperation between Yazd and Isfahan to boost joint tourism initiatives.

Bibi-Fatemeh Haqirossadat made the remarks during a one-day visit to Isfahan, saying the trip provided an opportunity for tourism associations from both cities to explore ways of expanding collaboration, CHTN reported.

Highlighting the cultural, historical, and religious tourism potential of both destinations, she said Yazd and Isfahan could work together to attract more domestic and international visitors as part of Iran’s so-called “Golden Triangle of tourism.”

First signed in 2016, the Golden Triangle agreement links the provinces of Isfahan, Fars, and Yazd. The pact has recently been renewed by provincial governors to strengthen cooperation, improve infrastructure, and increase accessibility across the three historic regions.

Haqirossadat said discussions in Isfahan focused on tourist exchange programs, noting that closer cooperation could lengthen visitors’ stays, generate economic growth, and create new jobs. She added that partnerships between Yazd and Isfahan could serve as a model for other historic cities seeking constructive interaction in the tourism sector.

In October 2024, the mayors of Yazd, Isfahan, and Shiraz signed a trilateral agreement in Shiraz under the “Golden Triangle of Iran’s Tourism” framework. The deal outlined support for joint research projects, the use of international networks, and the organization of conferences, workshops, and exchange visits. It also emphasized identifying investment opportunities and promoting cultural and artistic programs to showcase the heritage of the three cities.

Isfahan, once a hub of international trade and diplomacy, is among Iran’s leading tourist destinations, celebrated for its mosques, palaces, and bazaars. Yazd, located in central Iran’s desert region, is famed for its winding lanes, mud-brick architecture, and innovative urban planning that has sustained life in an arid environment.

AM