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2026-05-31 17:32
By Afshin Majlesi
Riab, an example of heritage preservation, sustainable tourism and community participation
TEHRAN – The historical village of Riab in eastern Iran is emerging as a leading example of heritage preservation, sustainable tourism and community participation as it seeks international recognition through the United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) Best Tourism Villages initiative.
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2026-05-30 08:25
By Afshin Majlesi
Bajestan: A quiet treasure beyond Iran’s tourist trail
TEHRAN - Set against the plain beauty of eastern Iran’s desert landscapes, the ancient city of Bajestan remains one of the lesser-known destinations of the country, despite possessing a remarkable combination of history, architecture, and natural scenery.
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2026-05-18 18:33
By Mojtaba Gahestuni
Pamenar: Where painted doors speak the language of identity
TEHRAN - Nestled in the northern reaches of Dezful in southwestern Khuzestan province, the ancient village of Pamenar has emerged as one of Iran’s most distinctive rural destinations, blending cultural heritage, environmental identity, and community-based tourism into a living narrative of local memory. In recent years, the village has increasingly drawn attention as a candidate for future international heritage recognition, not only because of its natural beauty and historical character, but also due to innovative efforts by residents to preserve and showcase their cultural identity.
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2026-05-17 17:54
By Afshin Majlesi
Riab assessed against UN Tourism criteria for global recognition
TEHRAN - Officials in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province said the village of Riab in Gonabad County is being evaluated according to criteria set by the United Nations tourism body as part of its bid to be recognized among the world’s best tourism villages.
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2026-04-18 18:12
UN Tourism opens applications for Best Tourism Villages 2026
TEHRAN - The UN Tourism has opened applications for its Best Tourism Villages 2026 initiative, inviting member states to nominate rural destinations that promote sustainable tourism and community development.
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2026-02-11 16:25
North Khorasan has capacity to become standalone tourism destination, official says
TEHRAN - North Khorasan province has the capacity to become a complete tourism destination on its own, a senior tourism official said during a one-day visit to the province.
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2025-12-23 17:32
Gisoom seeks UN Tourism label for Best Tourism Villages
TEHRAN — Iran’s Gilan provincial department of cultural heritage said it is preparing a bid to have the village of Gisoom included on UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages list.
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2025-11-16 17:40
Esfahak, symbol of rural sustainable development
TEHRAN— Esfahak, recognized as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, is symbol of cultural heritage and rural sustainable development, said South Khorasan Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department Seyyed Ahmad Barabadi.
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2025-11-04 14:03
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.
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2025-10-21 18:13
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.
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2025-10-18 17:26
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.
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2025-09-14 17:11
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.