UNWTO

2025-04-14 17:19

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.

A view of Dadmehr Eco-Lodge, a 19th-century traditional house situated in the UNESCO-listed historic city of Yazd, central Iran.

2025-03-14 17:46

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.

2025-03-03 17:48

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.

2025-01-25 17:54

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.

2024-11-13 17:57

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.

2024-10-14 17:26

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.

2024-09-28 17:33

Iranian minister, UN Tourism chief discuss mutual cooperation

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has met with UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

2024-08-28 18:31

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.

2024-08-10 18:15

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.

2024-06-23 17:26

Sustainable rural tourism high on agenda, says deputy minister

TEHRAN – Deputy Tourism Minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian has emphasized the importance of developing rural tourism in a way that minimizes environmental, social, and cultural drawbacks.

2024-05-21 17:40

Empowering rural communities: UN Tourism launches STAR assessment tool

TEHRAN – Aimed to boost sustainable tourism in rural areas, UN Tourism has launched the UN Tourism Self-assessment Tool to Assist Rural Destinations, known as STAR.

2024-05-21 09:47

UN Tourism Chief offers condolences following demise of President Raisi in helicopter crash

TEHRAN – The UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has sent a condolence message to Iran over the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

2024-04-13 18:01

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.

2024-03-29 07:47

Fahraj chosen as target village for rural tourism

TEHRAN - In a recent announcement by Mohammad-Ali Shahhosseini, the Deputy for Economic and Tourism Affairs of the Yazd Governorate, Fahraj village has been designated as a target village for rural tourism.

2024-03-06 18:08

Eying a UN label, Bisheh to host festival dedicated to nature lovers

TEHRAN – Iran’s Bisheh, which is nominated for UN Tourism’s list of the best tourism villages, is set to host a special festival intended to promote its tourist appeal for nature lovers.

2024-01-31 17:33

Iran to implement visa waiver for 32 countries on Feb. 4

TEHRAN – Iran’s unilateral abolition of visa requirements for citizens of 32 countries is set to take effect on February 4.

2024-01-28 18:49

UNWTO transforms into ‘UN Tourism’ to signal a new era

TEHRAN - The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is embracing a transformative era as it unveils its new name and brand: UN Tourism.

2024-01-28 18:23

UN Tourism chief welcomes Iran’s decision to abolish visas for 33 countries

TEHRAN – Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, formerly (UNWTO), has warmly welcomed Iran’s decision to cancel visas with 33 countries, expressing optimism about a vibrant future for tourism for the ancient country.

2024-01-19 17:35

UNWTO to highlight investments, sustainable tourism, and collaboration

TEHRAN – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is set to make a significant impact at FITUR 2024, the leading travel and tourism trade fair, taking place in Madrid from January 24 to 28.

2024-01-13 17:51

Varkaneh Village, stone homes & natural beauty await

TEHRAN -- When you step into the village of Varkaneh, you may feel a fundamental difference because its houses, streets, and everything else are made and adorned with stone.

Mohammad-Ali Izadkhasti, the CEO of Isfahan’s Urban Revitalization Organization, speaks to the Tehran Times in Isfahan, December 28, 2023.

2024-01-03 17:47

By Afshin Majlesi

From preservation to prosperity: CEO unveils Isfahan’s restoration strategy

ISFAHAN - Mohammad-Ali Izadkhasti, the CEO of Isfahan’s Urban Revitalization Organization, recently spoke to the Tehran Times about the organization’s commitment to reviving Isfahan’s rich historical fabric.

2023-12-19 18:09

Comprehensive atlas of gastronomy tourism unveiled

TEHRAN – A comprehensive atlas of gastronomy tourism in Iran was unveiled in a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts on Monday.

2023-12-09 21:45

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili invited to Tehran tourism fair

TEHRAN – Iran’s tourism ministry has invited Zurab Pololikashvili, the secretary-general of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), to attend Tehran’s international tourism fair scheduled for February 2024.