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Three Iranian villages join UNWTO global network
Iran’s rural communities shine again on world tourism map: Pezeshkian
Following the announcement, President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the achievement, saying the villages “once again illuminated Iran’s name on the world tourism map.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “From the heart of the desert to the foothills of Alborz and the azure coast of the Persian Gulf, the villages of Shafiabad in Kerman, Kandelous in Mazandaran, and Soheili in Qeshm have once again made Iran shine on the global tourism map. Iran, the land of courage and art, embraces a grand destiny.”
Deputy Tourism Minister Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpey said Iran had submitted applications for eight villages this year. After rigorous review based on criteria such as tourist appeal, environmental protection, economic viability, and governance, three, Soheili (Qeshm Island, Hormozgan Province), Kandelous (Mazandaran province) and Shafiabad (Kerman Province), were accepted into the network, IRNA reported.
Soheili was selected for its mangrove forest preservation, eco-tourism schemes, and night-stay fishing boat accommodations. Kandelous stood out for its local museum, literary trails, herbal plant economy and community innovation. Shafiabad, positioned on the edge of the Lut Desert, was praised for historic architecture, desert heritage, and integration of tourism with local social structures.
Mohseni Bandpey stressed that women’s participation and youth engagement were key to their success. He acknowledged that infrastructure—roads, electricity, water, health services and internet connectivity—had long been a barrier. “We pushed hard this past year to fill the gaps,” he said.
He added that Iran had previously registered two villages, but this triple success was a rare feat.
The recognition in Hangzhou grants these villages global visibility, technical support, and inclusion in international rural-tourism networks. It also strengthens Iran’s position in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development forums.