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.

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.

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.

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.

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.