Sustainable rural tourism high on agenda, says deputy minister

TEHRAN – Deputy Tourism Minister Ali-Asghar Shalbafian has emphasized the importance of developing rural tourism in a way that minimizes environmental, social, and cultural drawbacks.

18m holidaymakers find serenity amidst Mazandaran beauties in month

TEHRAN - During the very first month of the current Iranian year, as per records, Mazandaran province welcomed over 18 million visitors hailing from across Iran, signaling a substantial boost in tourism.

Iranian expats invest $291 million in homeland’s travel industry

TEHRAN - Iranian expatriates have invested some $291 million in the homeland’s travel & leisure industry over the past two years, Iran’s deputy tourism minister said on Tuesday.

Villages in Ilam adapted for rural tourism

TEHRAN – Following months of work, seven villages, situated in the lesser-known Ilam province, western Iran, have been modified for rural tourism.

Hearing-impaired offered sightseeing tours in Mashhad

TEHRAN—Mashhad’s tourism directorate has conducted guided city tours for the hearing-impaired people.

Lorestan province to diversify its rural tourism

TEHRAN – Lorestan province is embracing a new approach to its tourism sector, seeking to diversify its offerings to nature lovers.

Ground broken for Iran’s first three-story suspension bridge

TEHRAN – Construction of a three-story suspension bridge, said to be the first of its kind in Iran, officially began on Thursday with a ground-breaking ceremony held in the Sarein county of Ardabil province, northwest Iran.

By Afshin Majlesi

Deep in dark: the allure and adventure of Iran caves

TEHRAN – Having a wealth of geological and cultural treasures, caves have always been mysterious and fascinating for adventurers.

UNWTO unveils priorities for rural tourism development

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recently released a report that defines the status of rural tourism in its member states aimed at identifying the main challenges and opportunities in the path of rural tourism development.

Khorramshahr to host national conference on dark tourism

TEHRAN – Khorramshahr is planning to host a national conference on dark tourism.

Students visit Varamin attractions on fam tour

TEHRAN – On Saturday, Varamin’s tourism directorate took tens of students on a familiarization tour of the ancient Iranian city, which is located southeast of Tehran province.

Tourism ministry uncovers scheme for rural revive

TEHRAN – Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts has uncovered a new scheme based on which a selection of 100 villages will be revived for tourism in two years.

Tourism directorate pursues national registration for Karaj-Chalus road

TEHRAN – Alborz province’s tourism directorate has put forward the scenic Karaj-Chalus road as a candidate for inclusion on the national cultural heritage list.

UNESCO panel gives nod to register Iran’s Tabas Geopark

TEHRAN ––Iran’s Tabas Geopark has secured a UNESCO nod for being registered in the Global Geoparks (UGGp) list, an assessor of the UN cultural body said on Thursday.

Iran ranked fifth tourism source for Turkey in October

TEHRAN– Iranian nationals became the fifth source of tourism for neighboring Turkey in October.

South Khorasan and growing appeal for desert tourism

TEHRAN— Barren deserts may initially seem like some of the scariest places for travel. However, there has been a growing appeal for flocking to the arid regions on the Iranian plateau.

French travelers visit lesser-known attractions in southern Iran

TEHRAN— A team of French sightseers has recently toured arrays of lesser-known attractions in the Fahraj county of Fars province, southern Iran.

When’s the best time to visit Iran?

TEHRAN - Iran is a vast country with a changing environment characterized by long, hot, dry summers and short, cool winters.

Na’in prepares to become tourist hub: official

TEHRAN–Na’in’s tourism directorate has announced plans aimed at making the oasis city a major tourist destination.