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.

Shaikha Al Nowais elected as secretary-general of UN Tourism

TEHRAN – In a landmark decision on Friday, the Executive Council of UN Tourism elected Shaikha Al Nowais of the United Arab Emirates as its next secretary-general for the 2026–2029 term.

Tehran to host UN Tourism’s forum on urban tourism

Tehran, Iran – The UN Tourism, in collaboration with Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, will host the UN Tourism Global Forum on Urban Tourism in Tehran from June 24 to 25.

By Afshin Majlesi

Reviving roots: a new chapter in Iran’s rural tourism

KERMAN - On May 21, the first-ever national celebration of ecolodges brought together some 600 ecolodge managers, travel insiders, and media personnel from across the country.

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.

Mohseni-Bandpei calls on UN Tourism to help show a clear image of Iran

TEHRAN—Iran’s deputy minister of tourism has urged fighting against Iranophobia and giving a true image of the country, as he referred to the recent vote that the Islamic Republic gained for membership in the administrative council of the UN Tourism.

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.

Tehran to host UN Tourism’s inaugural forum dedicated to urban attractions

TEHRAN - Tehran has been selected to host UN Tourism’s first-ever urban forum dedicated to urban attractions, following a key agreement reached on the sidelines of a regional conference organized by the UN body in Indonesia.

Iran re-elected to executive council of UN Tourism, solidifying role in global tourism policy

TEHRAN – Iran has been re-elected as a member of the Executive Council of UN Tourism, the primary international decision-making body in the field of tourism, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpey.

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.

Iran advances cultural diplomacy at UAE investment forum

TEHRAN – Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, has emphasized the strategic significance of Iran’s participation in the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2025, held last week in the United Arab Emirates. In a recent statement, the minister described the event as a vital platform for advancing Iran’s cultural diplomacy and promoting the country’s rich civilizational identity on the global stage.

Tourism minister attends global investment forum in UAE to promote cooperation

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Monday evening to participate in the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2025, one of the world’s leading platforms for international investment and economic dialogue.

Iran to host largest eco-tourism gathering in May

TEHRAN - Iran is set to host its largest eco-tourism gathering on May 21 (“Ordibehesht 31”), bringing together hundreds of eco-lodge managers, government officials, and international representatives to celebrate and promote sustainable tourism.

UN Tourism chief highlights Iran’s role in travel industry

TEHRAN – UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has emphasized the need to enhance cooperation with Iran to foster sustainable development in the tourism industry.

Esfahak’s registration document as UN Best Tourism Village unveiled

TEHRAN – Esfahak’s registration document as the UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Village was officially unveiled at the pavilion of South Khorasan during the 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition, with senior provincial officials signing the certificate.

Tehran to host 18th tourism fair, drawing global media and influencers

TEHRAN - Tehran is set to host the 18th International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition from February 11 to 14, bringing together tourism officials, media representatives, and social media influencers from across the globe.

UN Tourism chief visits Iran’s pavilion at FITUR 2025

TEHRAN - Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, formerly known as UNWTO, visited the Iranian pavilion during the opening of the 45th International Tourism Trade Fair aka FITUR 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

Intl. tourism in Iran sees modest recovery, still 37% below pre-pandemic levels

TEHRAN - Iran hosted over 3.1 million foreign tourists in the first half of 2024, a 37% drop compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to updated figures from the UN Tourism.

Tchogha Zanbil’s landscape architecture examined by urban students

TEHRAN – UNESCO-listed Tchogha Zanbil has recently hosted an on-site workshop dedicated to landscape architecture and phenomenological interpretation of the magnificent ziggurat, which is located in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran.

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.

Fahraj becomes Iran’s first accessible tourist village

TEHRAN - The ancient village of Fahraj, located in Yazd province, has been designated Iran’s first accessible tourism village, making it a welcoming destination for elderly and disabled visitors, according to the provincial tourism chief.

European cyclists promote peace, echo Iran’s safety, official says

TEHRAN - Iran is currently hosting a group of European motorcyclist tourists, known as “international peace ambassadors,” in a symbolic event that reflects the country’s high level of security and hospitality on the global stage, a tourism official has said.

Bahrain to host UN World Forum on gastronomy tourism

TEHRAN - The 9th edition of the UN World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will take place in Manama, Bahrain, from November 18 to 19.