Herding and hunting: National Museum study paints picture of Iron Age life

TEHRAN - A study by researchers from the National Museum of Iran has unveiled new insights into animal exploitation patterns during the Iron Age in Gilan province, which is bounded by the Caspian Sea, north of the country.

By Afshin Majlesi

Persian Gulf National Day: a celebration of history, culture, and nature

Subsidence threats prompt new study on UNESCO-listed square in Isfahan

TEHRAN - Authorities in Isfahan plan to conduct a comprehensive study to assess the extent of land subsidence at the UNESCO-listed Naqsh-e Jahan Square, amid growing concerns that the phenomenon is threatening some of Iran’s most treasured architectural heritage.

Deputy tourism minister urges visiting tour operators to share Iran’s clean image

TEHRAN – Iran’s Deputy Tourism Minister, Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpey, has called on international tour operators to mirror a clear image of Iran to the world, highlighting the country’s hospitality, safety, and cultural richness.

ECO tourism ministers convene in Erzurum to advance regional cooperation

TEHRAN - The 6th Ministerial Meeting on Tourism of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) convened on Saturday in Erzurum, the designated ECO Tourism Capital for 2025.

100 tour operators from 33 countries to attend Tehran forum

TEHRAN – Iran is set to host an international tour operators forum from tomorrow until May 2.

Iran calls for balanced tourism exchange with Turkey

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, has highlighted a significant imbalance in tourism exchanges between Iran and Turkey, calling for a strategic review of policies to achieve a more equitable flow of tourists between the two nations.

Iran, Uzbekistan discuss extended co-op in tourism sector

TEHRAN - Senior officials from Iran and Uzbekistan have held talks aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector, emphasizing their shared civilizational and cultural heritage as a foundation for closer collaboration.

Yazd to host first intl. academy for handwoven textile

TEHRAN - An international academy dedicated to the art of traditional handwoven textiles and carpets is set to open soon in the historical city of Yazd, marking a significant step toward the revival and preservation of Iran’s rich textile heritage.

Yazd recognized as world city of traditional jewelry by World Crafts Council

TEHRAN – The historic city of Yazd has been officially designated as the world city of traditional and handcrafted jewelry by the World Crafts Council (WCC), marking another significant international cultural achievement for Iran.

Hasanlu village to be nominated for UN label as premier destination

TEHRAN - The ancient village of Hasanlu in northwest Iran is nearing completion of its dossier for inscription as one of the Best Tourism Villages, a prestigious label given by UN Tourism.

Aerial mapping of Jiroft archaeological sites conducted for first time

TEHRAN - For the first time, aerial mapping and imaging have been conducted over key archaeological sites in Jiroft, a region renowned for its Bronze Age ruins dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.

Iran, Turkey discuss closer cultural and tourism cooperation

TEHRAN - In a meeting held on Saturday between Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, and Turkey’s ambassador to the Islamic Republic, Hicabi Kirlangic, emphasized strengthening cultural ties and expanding cooperation in tourism and heritage sectors.

Iran launches monitoring plan to track land subsidence at historic sites

TEHRAN - Iran has launched a national plan to monitor land subsidence in and around its historical sites, according to Seyyed Hamid Pourmohammadi, Head of the Planning and Budget Organization.

Iran seeks UNESCO labels for mirrorwork art and Falak-ol-Aflak fortress

TEHRAN – Iran has formally submitted two major cultural heritage dossiers to UNESCO for potential inscription on the World Heritage List: the ancient decorative art of mirrorwork, known as Ayeneh-kari, and the historic Falak-ol-Aflak Fortress along with its surrounding cultural landscape in Lorestan province.

Russian tourists arrive in Ilam province with campers amid growing tourism ties

TEHRAN - A group of 18 Russian campers and SUVs has arrived in Iran’s Ilam province as part of a broader tour across the country, marking a new chapter in expanding tourism ties between Iran and Russia.

Iran sets goal of €6 billion annual revenue from medical tourism

TEHRAN – Iran has set a target to generate €6 billion in annual revenue from medical tourism, according to a new policy document approved and announced by the government.

Researchers uncover key paleolithic findings in cave, western Iran

TEHRAN - A recent archaeological excavation in Ghamari Cave in Lorestan province has drawn considerable domestic and international attention.

Iran re-elected to executive council of UN Tourism, solidifying role in global tourism policy

TEHRAN – Iran has been re-elected as a member of the Executive Council of UN Tourism, the primary international decision-making body in the field of tourism, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpey.

Fahraj recognized as Iran’s first accessible tourism village

TEHRAN - The historic village of Fahraj in Yazd province has been officially recognized as Iran’s first accessible tourism village.

Dinosaur footprint discovered in Zarand becomes county’s top tourist attraction

TEHRAN - A recently discovered dinosaur footprint in the Deh-Alireza region of Dashtkhak, located in northern Zarand county in Iran’s Kerman province, has been identified as the area's most significant emerging tourist attraction, according to local heritage and academic officials.

Minister hails ‘successful’ Nowruz travel season, highlights growth in domestic tourism

TEHRAN - Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, praised the success of the 1404 (2025) Nowruz travel season, describing it as one of the most satisfying and least problematic in recent years.

Iran’s Central Bank introduces rial debit cards for tourists, foreign nationals

TEHRAN - The Central Bank of Iran has officially issued a directive to the national banking network outlining the procedures for providing Iranian rial-denominated bank cards to foreign tourists and non-resident individuals.

Tehran, Astana agree on joint exhibitions and museum collaborations

TEHRAN - National Museum of Iran Director Jebrael Nokandeh and his Kazakh counterpart have arranged to expand joint exhibitions and museum collaborations.

ECO member states advance regional sustainable tourism standards for accommodation facilities

TEHRAN - Member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) came together virtually for the 6th Meeting of the ECO Working Group on Tourism Standardization (WGTS), focusing on finalizing a comprehensive set of sustainable tourism criteria for accommodation facilities across the region.

Iranian minister highlights opportunities for stronger cultural cooperation with China

TEHRAN - Iran’s tourism minister has underscored the long-standing cultural and economic ties between the Islamic Republic and China, emphasizing their strategic partnership in heritage promotion and the potential for further collaboration.

Tourism minister attends global investment forum in UAE to promote cooperation

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Monday evening to participate in the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) Congress 2025, one of the world’s leading platforms for international investment and economic dialogue.

Giant ‘Sasanian-era’ jar unearthed in southern Iran

TEHRAN - An ancient earthenware jar believed to date back to the Sasanian era has been unearthed during a routine excavation in a village in southern Iran, according to local heritage authorities.