TEHRAN – Three villages in Iran’s South Khorasan Province have been selected to vie with other candidates for UNESCO’s “Best Tourism Villages” in 2025.

On Saturday, Hadi Shahverdi, the provincial tourism chief, announced that the required dossiers for the villages of Afin, Khvor, and Chenashk have been developed and submitted to the Ministry of Cultural Heritage for consideration as global tourism villages.

Shahverdi added that while many villages in the province have the potential to be recognized on a global scale, only three have been selected due to limitations.

“The villages were selected based on their unique characteristics, including their rural layout, accessibility, cultural, historical, and natural features, value chains, and economic sustainability.”

The official continued, saying that one of the key factors in the nomination process was the unique stories and creativity involved in each village’s sustainable development. Notably, Afin was recognized for its agricultural tourism and as the pilot site for the world’s seedless barberry. Khvor was highlighted for its semi-precious stones, and Chenashk was noted for its vibrant traditional wedding customs and its title as the “Land of Colors.”

Shahverdi emphasized that the nomination of these villages on both national and global levels would promote tourism and local development in the province. He also urged relevant authorities to cooperate in enhancing the infrastructure of these villages.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the official mentioned that the final nominations for the 2025 global tourism villages will be made by the National Tourism Desk of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts in April 2025, after which the dossiers will be sent to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

He also pointed out that eight other villages, including Esfahak in South Khorasan province, Abyaneh in Isfahan, Kandelus from Mazandaran, have been earmarked for the same competition in 2024. The results are expected to be announced in November, and it is hoped that Esfahak will be recognized as a global tourism village.

Situated in the eastern part of Iran, South Khorasan holds 14 approved target destination villages, which makes the province a delightful station for travel lovers.

Home to thousands of ancient villages, Iran offers an ideal destination for both domestic and international travelers seeking unique natural experiences and untouched landscapes. Visitors can stay in authentic accommodations, immerse themselves in the local lifestyle, and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Tourists have the opportunity to stay with rural or nomadic families, participate in daily routines, or opt for an independent stay while contributing to the community's daily life. This experience allows visitors to engage with traditional agricultural practices, customs, arts, and culture, passed down through generations.

Since its introduction in 2021, over 70 villages from nearly 40 countries have been recognized as “Best Tourism Villages” by the UN Tourism. Selection is based on an evaluation of initiatives in nine areas of sustainable development.

This initiative is expected to place Iran's rural destinations on the global tourism map, earning them well-deserved recognition from the UN Tourism.

The World Tourism Organization defines rural tourism as an activity where the visitor’s experience is connected to a diverse range of products, typically associated with nature, agriculture, rural lifestyles, culture, fishing, and sightseeing. It is characterized by low population density, landscapes shaped by agriculture and forestry, and a traditional social structure and way of life.

AM