Iran launches pilot program for tourist currency exchange and payment cards at airports

TEHRAN – The Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran (CBI) said it has begun a pilot phase of a plan to buy foreign currency from international tourists and issue “tourist cards” at the country’s international airports.

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.

By Afshin Majlesi

Restoration of Arnaldo Pomodoro’s 3-ton bronze sphere underway in Tehran

TEHRAN - Conservation work has begun on a 3,000-kilogram bronze sculpture by the late Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro at a museum in northern Tehran.

Continuous human settlement in Hamedan confirmed from Achaemenid era to Present

THERAN – Archaeologists conducting excavations at the Baba Taher pedestrian pathway in Hamedan have uncovered evidence of continuous human settlement in the area dating from the Achaemenid period (circa 550–330 BC) to the present day, according to local experts.

Iran’s Lorestan claims world’s oldest animation originates from this province

TEHRAN – Lorestan province’s tourism chief, Ata Hassanpour, has declared that the world’s oldest known animation originates from the province.

Tehran to host tourism festival dedicated to children and young adults

TEHRAN - A tourism festival and exhibition dedicated to children and young adults will take place from June 9 to June 13, at the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults in Tehran.

Photo exhibit celebrates 70 years of restoration at Soltanieh Dome

TEHRAN – A photo exhibition commemorating seven decades of restoration efforts at the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Oljaytu, better known as the Soltanieh Dome, was inaugurated at the Faculty of Architecture and Art of Zanjan University on Tuesday.

Preservation initiatives underway for ancient Istakhr

TEHRAN - The ancient city of Istakhr, once a royal residence for the Sassanid kings of Persia and located near the UNESCO-registered Persepolis, is undergoing significant preservation efforts, according to the tourism chief of Fars province.

Rally of vintage cars reaches Gilan province

TEHRAN - A car tourism rally, featuring 40 vintage vehicles, commenced its journey from Tehran to the northern Gilan province on Tuesday.

‘UNESCO-listed Armenian Monastic Ensembles in good condition’

TEHRAN – The director of the World Heritage base for the Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran has assured that its five UNESCO-registered churches and chapels are well-preserved and active.

Tourism minister highlights plans to boost international arrivals

TEHRAN - Iran's Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has announced ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at removing obstacles to international tourism in the country.

Multinational ‘Nowruz dossier’ reflects solidarity with Iranian culture, tourism minister says

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts considers the registration of various countries to the UNESCO-listed Nowruz as a sign of convergence and solidarity with Iranian culture.

Restoration of UNESCO-listed Ganjali Khan caravanserai in Kerman begins

TEHRAN - The restoration and revitalization of the historic Ganjali Khan caravanserai in Kerman, southern Iran, have officially commenced, marking a significant effort to preserve the UNESCO-listed site.

Tourism is a key economic asset for Iran, head of Planning and Budget Organization says

TEHRAN - Hamid Pour-Mohammadi who presides over Iran’s Planning and Budget Organization (PBO), has emphasized the importance of tourism as a vital driver of the nation’s economy, urging comprehensive planning to fully harness its potential.

Preservation plans unveiled for ancient village

TEHRAN – Fars’ tourism chief has announced plans to restore and preserve parts of the historical core of Dosiran village, located in Kazerun county of the southern province.

Hamedan attracts 2.8 million visitors in H1, Ali-Sadr Cave tops list

TEHRAN - Hamedan province saw a considerable influx of tourists in the first six months of the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 20), with 2.8 million people visiting its various attractions.

Archaeologists to shed new light on hand-carved caves in northern Iran

TEHRAN – An archaeological team has commenced work on Kafer Keli hand-carved caves, a unique site in the Haraz Valley of Mazandaran province.

Ancient Jorjan undergoes restoration

TEHRAN - A local official has announced the commencement of a restoration and protection project for the ruins of Jorjan, an ancient city located in Gonbad-e Kavus county, northern Iran.

Semnan, where desert meets forest on the ancient Silk Road

TEHRAN - Semnan province, located in northern Iran, is a region of remarkable geographical diversity, offering a unique blend of natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural elements.

Intangible cultural heritage ever-living soul of nations, deputy minister says

TEHRAN – Iran’s deputy tourism minister Ali Darabi has said intangible cultural heritage is the ever-living soul of various cultures worldwide.

Tomb of Cyrus the Great to undergo restoration

TEHRAN – The Tomb of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the ancient Achaemenid Empire (c. 550 – 330 BC), will undergo restoration, Fars province’s tourism chief said on Saturday.