TEHRAN – Baraghan and Salehieh, situated in Iran’s Alborz province, have been included in the national list of top tourist villages.

Alborz, located just 10 kilometers west of Tehran, has recently undertaken initiatives to promote rural tourism.

Among these efforts was the selection of 50 villages as potential destinations for rural tourism development.

From this list, Baraghan and Salehieh have emerged as the standout choices for their unique charm and cultural significance, IRNA reported.

Baraghan, with its picturesque landscapes and rich historical heritage, has long been admired by locals and now stands ready to welcome tourists from across the country and beyond. Salehieh, with its traditional architecture and warm hospitality, promises visitors an authentic rural experience like no other.

This selection not only highlights the natural beauty and cultural richness of Alborz province but also signifies the growing importance of rural tourism in Iran. By showcasing these hidden gems, authorities aim to diversify the tourism offerings of the country and spread economic benefits to rural communities.

Over the past few years, increasing numbers of visitors have sought something different, such as spending a day in the quiet countryside, picking fresh fruit, watching rice grow, fishing by the sea, eating traditional food or even staying with the locals.

UN Tourism considers rural tourism to be a type of activity in which the visitor's experience is linked to a wide range of products typically associated with activities related to nature, agriculture, rural lifestyle, culture, fishing, and tourism. This type of tourism also has characteristics such as low population density, mainly agricultural and forestry landscape, social structure, and traditional way of life.

As mentioned by Zurab Pololikashvili, who presides over the UN’s tourism body, the “uniqueness” of each village makes tourism a vehicle for further development in rural areas. “We wanted to recognize the uniqueness of each village and highlight the best initiatives to make tourism a vehicle for a better future in the countryside. As we restart tourism, we try not to leave anyone – and no village – left behind.”

AM