TEHRAN – Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization will launch handicrafts kiosks and souvenir shops in major cities and tourist destinations nationwide, IRNA reported on Wednesday.

The plan is aimed to assist domestic and foreign tourists with easy access to variety of Iranian handicrafts, souvenirs and gifts, Pouya Mahmoudian, the director of the CHTHO Exports Department, told IRNA on June 7.

She added that 16 of such handicraft kiosks have already opened in Zanjan province and three more are about to be launched in Kermanshah province.

The CHTHO is concentrated on strengthening infrastructures and providing equipment for the supply and sale of the crafts in a bid to expand its market.

Iran exported $237 million of handicrafts in the past Iranian calendar year, which ended on March 20, according to a press release by the organization.

Over the past couple of years, dozens of Iranian handicrafts have been honored with the UNESCO Seal of Excellence. In 2010, a total of 65 crafts on various themes including enamel, tile, metalwork, leatherwork, wood carving received the privilege.

AFM/MG