UN Tourism - Tehran Times

UN Tourism chief highlights Iran’s role in travel industry

TEHRAN – UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has emphasized the need to enhance cooperation with Iran to foster sustainable development in the tourism industry.

2025-02-15 18:45

Esfahak’s registration document as UN Best Tourism Village unveiled

TEHRAN – Esfahak’s registration document as the UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Village was officially unveiled at the pavilion of South Khorasan during the 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition, with senior provincial officials signing the certificate.

2025-02-10 16:21

Tehran to host 18th tourism fair, drawing global media and influencers

TEHRAN - Tehran is set to host the 18th International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition from February 11 to 14, bringing together tourism officials, media representatives, and social media influencers from across the globe.

2025-01-25 17:54

UN Tourism chief visits Iran’s pavilion at FITUR 2025

TEHRAN - Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, formerly known as UNWTO, visited the Iranian pavilion during the opening of the 45th International Tourism Trade Fair aka FITUR 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

2025-01-01 17:23

Intl. tourism in Iran sees modest recovery, still 37% below pre-pandemic levels

TEHRAN - Iran hosted over 3.1 million foreign tourists in the first half of 2024, a 37% drop compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to updated figures from the UN Tourism.

2024-12-14 18:24

Tchogha Zanbil’s landscape architecture examined by urban students

TEHRAN – UNESCO-listed Tchogha Zanbil has recently hosted an on-site workshop dedicated to landscape architecture and phenomenological interpretation of the magnificent ziggurat, which is located in Khuzestan province, southwest Iran.

2024-11-13 17:57

Esfahak named one of UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages for 2024

TEHRAN – The historical village of Esfahak, nestled in Iran’s South Khorasan province, has achieved international recognition by being named one of the Best Tourism Villages for 2024 by UN Tourism.

2024-11-11 17:06

Fahraj becomes Iran’s first accessible tourist village

TEHRAN - The ancient village of Fahraj, located in Yazd province, has been designated Iran’s first accessible tourism village, making it a welcoming destination for elderly and disabled visitors, according to the provincial tourism chief.

Development of Iran’s tourism industry and dealing with Iranophobia

2024-11-01 17:01

By Hani Rastegaran, tourism expert

Development of Iran’s tourism industry and dealing with Iranophobia

The perception of countries by people around the world is one of the determining factors in the level of psychological and mental security regarding the entry of capital, services, and social and cultural development in those countries.

2024-10-18 17:56

European cyclists promote peace, echo Iran’s safety, official says

TEHRAN - Iran is currently hosting a group of European motorcyclist tourists, known as “international peace ambassadors,” in a symbolic event that reflects the country’s high level of security and hospitality on the global stage, a tourism official has said.

2024-10-14 17:26

Bahrain to host UN World Forum on gastronomy tourism

TEHRAN - The 9th edition of the UN World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will take place in Manama, Bahrain, from November 18 to 19.

Tourism as a bridge to peace and understanding

2024-09-27 17:59

By Afshin Majlesi

Tourism as a bridge to peace and understanding

As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2024 under the theme “Tourism and Peace,” it is crucial to reflect on the profound role that the sector plays not only in economic development but also in promoting peace, mutual understanding, and reconciliation among nations.

17th-century Imam Mosque in Isfahan at serious risk

2024-09-23 18:11

By Afshin Majlesi

17th-century Imam Mosque in Isfahan at serious risk

TEHRAN - Isfahan’s historical Masjed-e Jameh Abbasi, also known as the Imam Mosque, is facing a looming crisis, with its structural integrity severely threatened by deep cracks caused by land subsidence and prolonged drought.

2024-09-21 17:46

Golestan Palace hosts special tour for the hearing-impaired

TEHRAN - In a bid to make cultural heritage sites more accessible, the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace organized a specialized tour for deaf visitors on Friday, as part of the International Week of the Deaf celebrations.

2024-09-16 17:58

Climate change impact on Iran’s cultural heritage debated by task force

TEHRAN – On Monday, the first meeting of the Climate Change and Cultural Heritage Task Force was convened in Tehran.

2024-08-28 18:31

Restoration efforts underway in Kandovan ahead of UN registration anniversary

TEHRAN - Restoration work has begun in Kandovan, a historic village known for its unique cone-shaped, stone-carved houses, as part of efforts to eliminate unauthorized architectural interventions and enhance the village’s visual harmony.

2024-08-10 18:15

Eastern Iranian villages nominated for UNESCO label

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.

Former deputy tourism minister Wali Teymouri in an undated photo.

2024-07-26 17:21

By Afshin Majlesi

Iran’s tourism shifts: former deputy minister shares insights

TEHRAN - The international tourism scene has shown a remarkable recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the story seems somewhat different when it comes to Iran.

2024-07-01 18:09

Intl. handicraft center to be set up within Risbaf Factory

TEHRAN – Breathing new life into Isfahan’s historical Risbaf Factory, which had been closed since the 2000s, an international handicraft center is planned to be established within the business unit.

2024-06-23 17:26

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.

2024-06-12 17:31

UN Tourism Council pays homage to martyred Iranian president

TEHRAN – In the opening session of the Executive Council of UN Tourism, the organization’s Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, asked the attendees to observe a minute of silence in honor of the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi who was martyred in a helicopter crash last month.

2024-05-21 09:47

UN Tourism Chief offers condolences following demise of President Raisi in helicopter crash

TEHRAN – The UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili has sent a condolence message to Iran over the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and his companions in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

Dry river, sinking city: urgent measures needed to save Isfahan’s heritage

2024-04-23 17:17

By Afshin Majlesi

Dry river, sinking city: urgent measures needed to save Isfahan’s heritage

Accompanied by a group of journalists, we recently embarked on a journey to explore the Zayandeh-Rud river, tracing its origins near Zard-Kuh, a sub-range in the central Zagros range in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province, all the way to the ancient city of Isfahan.

2024-04-16 18:06

Maymand to enjoy tourism boom if it wins UN Tourism label

TEHRAN – Kerman province’s tourism chief has expressed optimism about the potential tourism boom for Maymand Village, a UNESCO-registered site if it secures a prestigious label from the UN Tourism as an exceptional rural tourism destination.

2024-04-13 18:01

Iran’s rural tourism: eight villages vie for UN recognition

TEHRAN – As this year’s UN Tourism deadline to submit applications for the best tourism villages evaluation draws near [April 24], Iran has nominated eight most qualified villages to vie for global recognition.

2024-03-06 18:08

Eying a UN label, Bisheh to host festival dedicated to nature lovers

TEHRAN – Iran’s Bisheh, which is nominated for UN Tourism’s list of the best tourism villages, is set to host a special festival intended to promote its tourist appeal for nature lovers.

2024-02-13 22:49

Tehran mayor expresses readiness to host UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism

TEHRAN - In a pivotal announcement, the mayor of Tehran, Alireza Zakani, has revealed the city's proactive readiness to host the forthcoming UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism.

2024-02-12 19:13

Raisi discusses Iran’s vast capacities in meeting with UN tourism chief

TEHRAN - In a high-profile meeting with the Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization, the Iranian President underscored the pivotal role of the tourism industry, emphasizing the imperative for the organization to spotlight Iran's cultural, civilizational, and tourist assets on the global stage.