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Iranian sites compete for best tourism villages worldwide
Abyaneh in Isfahan, Bisheh in Lorestan, Esfahak in South Khorasan, Ghaleh Bala in Semnan, Palangan in Kurdestan, Meymand in Kerman, Kandolus in Mazandaran, and Fahraj in Yazd are part of a global initiative to promote rural tourism development, IRNA reported.
The program aims to boost tourism as a driver for rural development and prosperity. The selected villages represent exemplary rural tourist destinations with rich cultural and natural assets, promoting values, products, and lifestyles rooted in rural communities while demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The selection process involves collaboration between the organization and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, with identified villages meeting specific criteria and standards set by the UNWTO.
Previously, the village of Kandovan in East Azarbaijan province was globally recognized in 2023 as the first Iranian village for its outstanding tourism potential.
Following the submission of necessary documentation by the provinces, a virtual session will be held to review, summarize, and address any deficiencies. The process aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection of villages, highlighting notable aspects to the provinces for further improvement.
The UNWTO’s initiative, launched in 2021, seeks to transform tourism into a catalyst for rural development and welfare, focusing on nine key indicators including cultural resources, promotion and protection, economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, social sustainability, tourism potential and development, value chain integration, governance, and prioritization of tourism, as well as health, safety, and security.
Over 70 villages from 40 countries have been recognized as the best tourism villages worldwide, with Iran joining this group with the registration of Kandovan.
Benefits of being selected as a global tourism village include international recognition as a distinguished rural tourist destination, receiving a certificate signed by the UNWTO Secretary-General, opportunities for knowledge exchange and training, participation in relevant rural development and tourism events, and showcasing the country as the owner of the village in various tourism dimensions.