TEHRAN – Iran saw more than 29 million domestic trips during the Nowruz holiday period, a significant increase compared to previous years, according to a statement from the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.

In a statement released on Saturday, Anooshirvan Mohseni-Bandpey, the deputy minister for tourism, noted that the 2026 Nowruz holiday, marked by unprecedented conditions, was not only a time for leisure but also served as a tool to restore social resilience and calm. “This year’s Nowruz saw a fundamental shift in travel patterns, from being primarily leisure-focused to emphasizing security,” he said.

The deputy minister highlighted a notable trend toward smaller cities and rural areas. “Costs shifted from entertainment to the purchase of essential goods, and travel planning became more fluid and less structured,” Mohseni-Bandpey explained.

According to data based on SIM card usage, the most visited provinces were Mazandaran, with 4.48 million trips, Gilan with 3.21 million, Khorasan-Razavi with 1.81 million, and East Azarbaijan with 1.66 million. The province of Bushehr saw the fewest visitors, with only 232,943 trips, ranking 31st.

Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, also commented on the high number of Nowruz trips, noting the country’s challenging circumstances, including security, military, and social crises. “Iran is facing one of the largest imposed crises of the century, with military confrontations involving Zionist regime of Israel and the United States, placing the Iranian people under a historic test,” he said.

Salehi-Amiri added that the surge in domestic travel reflects the resilience of the Iranian people and their efforts to manage the ongoing wartime conditions.

The minister praised the efforts of local officials, including governors, mayors, and village heads, calling them crucial in ensuring the smooth management of the country during these difficult times. “Today, the administration is on the front lines of service delivery, with all branches, from the [Iranian] President to local managers, focused on one mission: to serve the people sincerely,” he said.

The minister also emphasized the international solidarity among Iranians, noting that the Nowruz period saw an unprecedented unity among Iranians both inside and outside the country. “This solidarity, rare in the post-revolutionary period, shows that when faced with historical challenges, the Iranian nation unites to protect its national interests,” he said.

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is one of the most significant holidays in Iran, marking the first day of spring and the beginning of a new year in the Iranian calendar. During this time, millions of Iranians embark on trips across the country to visit family, enjoy the changing seasons, or simply take a break from their daily routines. These travels are deeply rooted in the cultural and social fabric of Iran, with many people making the journey to both urban centers and rural areas.

Typically, Nowruz travel peaks over the two-week holiday period, with the first days of Farvardin (the first month of the Iranian calendar) seeing the highest volumes of movement. 
While major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz remain popular destinations during Nowruz, a noticeable trend in recent years has been the increasing popularity of smaller towns, rural villages, and natural sites. Many Iranians seek out quieter, less crowded places to spend their holiday. 

Another aspect of Nowruz travel is the increasing focus on “safe” and “affordable” destinations. Rising travel costs have led some families to reconsider their travel plans, prioritizing destinations that are within driving distance and offer more modest expenses. 

Throughout the holiday, the Iranian government and local authorities play an active role in ensuring the smooth flow of travel. Traffic management, road safety measures, and the provision of temporary accommodation are organized to handle the surge in visitors. Special Nowruz-themed events, festivals, and exhibitions are often held in major tourist destinations, adding an additional layer of cultural engagement to the travel experience. Despite the challenges that come with high demand for services and infrastructure, Nowruz travel remains an essential part of Iranian culture, symbolizing renewal, family bonds, and the joy of welcoming the new year.

AM