Qaleh Bala hosts Iran’s second national ecotourism festival
The Second National Ecotourism Festival was held in the tourist village of Qaleh Bala, located in the Beyarjomand district of Shahrud, Semnan Province. The event featured a variety of cultural programs, including local music performances, ethnic folk music, and traditional ceremonies, highlighting the cultural diversity and heritage of different regions of the country.
A number of tourism officials, members of parliament, provincial authorities, and those involved in the activities related to tourism attended the national gathering, according to chtn.ir.
Qaleh Bala village, situated near Touran Biosphere Reserve and, in recent years emerged as one of Iran’s leading ecotourism destinations. The village is now being presented as Iran’s primary candidate for recognition under the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages initiative.
During the ceremony, speakers emphasized the village’s exceptional natural, cultural, and social capacities, describing Qaleh Bala as being on the verge of an international breakthrough in rural tourism. Officials announced that the process of securing global registration for the village has entered its final stages.
Authorities attending the event described ecotourism development as one of the most important tools for economic growth, preservation of cultural identity, and creation of sustainable employment opportunities in rural areas. They also stressed the importance of supporting local communities and strengthening tourism infrastructure.
The festival additionally showcased the diverse tourism potential of Semnan Province in areas such as nature tourism, rural tourism, handicrafts, and cultural tourism. Those involved in the ecotourism sector from across the country exchanged experiences and discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The Second National Ecotourism Festival was held from May 19 to 21, 2026, with the aim of fostering dialogue between policymakers and operators of eco-lodges, sharing successful experiences, examining tourism capacities, and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders in the field.
Organizers said hosting the national event in Qaleh Bala village not only further introduced the tourism capacities of eastern Semnan Province, but also marked an important step toward the village’s potential global recognition and the strengthening of Iran’s position in rural and ecotourism on the international stage.