First Kurdish purebred horse festival held in Sanandaj

TEHRAN – Sanandaj in western Iran hosted its first-ever festival of Kurdish purebred horses on Friday, drawing equestrians and horse enthusiasts from across the country.

Soltaniyeh, a UNESCO-listed mausoleum of the 14th century, undergoes restoration

TEHRAN – Phase two of a restoration and conservation project on the southern gate of the UNESCO-listed Soltaniyeh Dome has commenced, according to the director of the World Heritage site.

Locals revive tradition of cherishing ancient qanats with flowers and rosewater

TEHRAN - After more than five decades of silence, the people of Bam in southeastern Iran have revived an ancient tradition honoring qanats – the man-made subterranean aqueducts that sustained life in this arid region for centuries.

Iran promotes Carnet de Passages for expanding regional mobility and tourism

TEHRAN - Iran took an active part in the 6th Expert Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Customs Committee, held in Turkey, emphasizing the importance of the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) system in facilitating cross-border vehicle movement and promoting regional tourism.

Minister highlights Isfahan’s cultural significance at Iran-Africa conference

TEHRAN – In a speech marking the conclusion of the Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference held in Isfahan, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, described the city as a “symbol of Iranian civilization”.

Herding and hunting: National Museum study paints picture of Iron Age life

TEHRAN - A study by researchers from the National Museum of Iran has unveiled new insights into animal exploitation patterns during the Iron Age in Gilan province, which is bounded by the Caspian Sea, north of the country.

By Afshin Majlesi

Persian Gulf National Day: a celebration of history, culture, and nature

Subsidence threats prompt new study on UNESCO-listed square in Isfahan

TEHRAN - Authorities in Isfahan plan to conduct a comprehensive study to assess the extent of land subsidence at the UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square, amid growing concerns that the phenomenon is threatening some of Iran’s most treasured architectural heritage.

Deputy tourism minister urges visiting tour operators to share Iran’s clean image

TEHRAN – Iran’s Deputy Tourism Minister, Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpey, has called on international tour operators to mirror a clear image of Iran to the world, highlighting the country’s hospitality, safety, and cultural richness.

ECO tourism ministers convene in Erzurum to advance regional cooperation

TEHRAN - The 6th Ministerial Meeting on Tourism of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) convened on Saturday in Erzurum, the designated ECO Tourism Capital for 2025.

100 tour operators from 33 countries to attend Tehran forum

TEHRAN – Iran is set to host an international tour operators forum from tomorrow until May 2.

Iran calls for balanced tourism exchange with Turkey

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has highlighted a significant imbalance in tourism exchanges between Iran and Turkey, calling for a strategic review of policies to achieve a more equitable flow of tourists between the two nations.

Neolithic and Chalcolithic archaeological site discovered in Mahallat, central Iran

TEHRAN– Iranian archaeologists in Markazi province have uncovered a prehistoric settlement site which dates back to the late Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, according to provincial heritage officials.

Yazd to host first intl. academy for handwoven textile

TEHRAN - An international academy dedicated to the art of traditional handwoven textiles and carpets is set to open soon in the historical city of Yazd, marking a significant step toward the revival and preservation of Iran’s rich textile heritage.

Yazd recognized as world city of traditional jewelry by World Crafts Council

TEHRAN – The historic city of Yazd has been officially designated as the world city of traditional and handcrafted jewelry by the World Crafts Council (WCC), marking another significant international cultural achievement for Iran.

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.

Aerial mapping of Jiroft archaeological sites conducted for first time

TEHRAN - For the first time, aerial mapping and imaging have been conducted over key archaeological sites in Jiroft, a region renowned for its Bronze Age ruins dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.

Iran, Turkey discuss closer cultural and tourism cooperation

TEHRAN - In a meeting held on Saturday between Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, and Turkey’s ambassador to the Islamic Republic, Hicabi Kirlangic, emphasized strengthening cultural ties and expanding cooperation in tourism and heritage sectors.

Iran launches monitoring plan to track land subsidence at historic sites

TEHRAN - Iran has launched a national plan to monitor land subsidence in and around its historical sites, according to Seyyed Hamid Pourmohammadi, Head of the Planning and Budget Organization.

Iran seeks UNESCO labels for mirrorwork art and Falak-ol-Aflak fortress

TEHRAN – Iran has formally submitted two major cultural heritage dossiers to UNESCO for potential inscription on the World Heritage List: the ancient decorative art of mirrorwork, known as Ayeneh-kari, and the historic Falak-ol-Aflak Fortress along with its surrounding cultural landscape in Lorestan province.

Russian tourists arrive in Ilam province with campers amid growing tourism ties

TEHRAN - A group of 18 Russian campers and SUVs has arrived in Iran’s Ilam province as part of a broader tour across the country, marking a new chapter in expanding tourism ties between Iran and Russia.

Iran sets goal of €6 billion annual revenue from medical tourism

TEHRAN – Iran has set a target to generate €6 billion in annual revenue from medical tourism, according to a new policy document approved and announced by the government.

Researchers uncover key paleolithic findings in cave, western Iran

TEHRAN - A recent archaeological excavation in Ghamari Cave in Lorestan province has drawn considerable domestic and international attention.

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.

Dinosaur footprint discovered in Zarand becomes county’s top tourist attraction

TEHRAN - A recently discovered dinosaur footprint in the Deh-Alireza region of Dashtkhak, located in northern Zarand county in Iran’s Kerman province, has been identified as the area's most significant emerging tourist attraction, according to local heritage and academic officials.

Minister hails ‘successful’ Nowruz travel season, highlights growth in domestic tourism

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, praised the success of the 1404 (2025) Nowruz travel season, describing it as one of the most satisfying and least problematic in recent years.

Iran’s Central Bank introduces rial debit cards for tourists, foreign nationals

TEHRAN - The Central Bank of Iran has officially issued a directive to the national banking network outlining the procedures for providing Iranian rial-denominated bank cards to foreign tourists and non-resident individuals.