By Hani Rastegaran

Qaleh Bala Village: a model of solidarity, creativity, and local development

TEHRAN - Qaleh Bala, a village nestled on the southern slopes of Mount Shahvar where the dry expanse of the desert blends into the wind‑shaped hills of the Kharturan buffer zone, has become one of the most remarkable examples of community‑based rural development in Iran. Its people, who have long struggled with drought, isolation, and lack of infrastructure, have relied on social cohesion and a series of small yet persistent innovations to transform what was once a depopulating settlement into a destination for community‑led ecotourism.

Shafiabad village: a gateway to UNESCO-listed Lut Desert

TEHRAN - Shafiabad village, located in the famed Shahdad district of Kerman province, southern Iran, stands as a remarkable example of harmonious coexistence between human settlement and a harsh desert environment.

Three Iranian villages named among world’s Best Tourism Villages by UN

TEHRAN – The UN Tourism on Friday recognized three Iranian villages among the world’s 52 best tourism villages for 2025, praising their rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and commitment to sustainable tourism.

Rural literary tourism route launched in Kandelous, northern Iran

TEHRAN – Iran has inaugurated a rural literary tourism route in the village of Kandelous in northern Mazandaran province, linking local folklore with cultural and ecological tourism, officials said.

Esfahak, one of Best Tourism Villages in world, to host special festival

TEHRAN – Esfahak, recently recognized as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, is set to host a special rural festival from June 12 to 14, according to the head of the Tabas Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department.

Esfahak village gains UNESCO research chair for earth architecture

TEHRAN - The village of Esfahak in South Khorasan province has been awarded one of UNESCO’s 34 prestigious research chairs, marking an achievement for the local and national cultural heritage and scientific communities.

Kermanshah identifies 50 new villages with high tourism potential

TEHRAN - The Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts in Kermanshah province has announced the identification of 50 lesser-known villages with strong tourism potential, aiming to promote rural and nature-based tourism across the western Iranian province.

Kandelous village in northern Iran implements accessible tourism measures

TEHRAN - Kandelous village in Mazandaran province has become one of Iran’s pioneering rural destinations to successfully implement “accessible tourism” initiatives, according to Mehdi Es’haqi, the deputy provincial tourism chief.

Esfahak, a destination for intl. sightseers, thanks to its label of Best Tourism Village

TEHRAN—Tabas Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department said a tourist group including 22 foreign nationals resided in Esfahak village in Tabas, South Khorasan province, for two nights.

Hasanlu village to be nominated for UN label as premier destination

TEHRAN - The ancient village of Hasanlu in northwest Iran is nearing completion of its dossier for inscription as one of the Best Tourism Villages, a prestigious label given by UN Tourism.

Fahraj recognized as Iran’s first accessible tourism village

TEHRAN - The historic village of Fahraj in Yazd province has been officially recognized as Iran’s first accessible tourism village.

Tourism Desk

Iran’s tourist villages introduced for possible global registration

TEHRAN - The director-general of the Domestic Tourism Development Office, Mostafa Fatemi, said a list of 130 tourist villages has been prepared. He added that given the prerequisites declared by the UN Tourism, eight villages were shortlisted as final candidates for the Best Tourism Villages, IRNA reported.

Esfahak named one of UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages for 2024

TEHRAN – The historical village of Esfahak, nestled in Iran’s South Khorasan province, has achieved international recognition by being named one of the Best Tourism Villages for 2024 by UN Tourism.

Restoration efforts underway in Kandovan ahead of UN registration anniversary

TEHRAN - Restoration work has begun in Kandovan, a historic village known for its unique cone-shaped, stone-carved houses, as part of efforts to eliminate unauthorized architectural interventions and enhance the village’s visual harmony.

Eastern Iranian villages nominated for UNESCO label

TEHRAN – Three villages in Iran’s South Khorasan Province have been selected to vie with other candidates for UNESCO’s “Best Tourism Villages” in 2025.

Esfahak receives inbound tourists with open arms

TEHRAN – A team, consisting of tourists hailing from different countries, toured Iran’s Esfahak village, immersing themselves in rural tranquility.

Iran’s rural tourism: eight villages vie for UN recognition

TEHRAN – As this year’s UN Tourism deadline to submit applications for the best tourism villages evaluation draws near [April 24], Iran has nominated eight most qualified villages to vie for global recognition.

Iran’s Kandovan is listed among world’s best tourism villages

TEHRAN – Iran’s Kandovan village has found its way into the list of 54 best tourism villages announced by the World Tourism Organization on Thursday.

Iran names eight villages for UNWTO status

TEHRAN – Iran has nominated eight rural villages as final candidates for a special label given by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which recognizes exceptional rural tourism destinations.

Iran nominates eight villages for ‘Best Tourism Villages’ label 

TEHRAN –Iran has recently submitted the files of eight villages situated in diverse provinces for possible inscriptions as ‘Best Tourism Villages’ recognition, ISNA reported on Tuesday.