Iranian villages have gained international recognition for their sustainable tourism initiatives. Recently, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) honored Kandelous, Soheili, and Shafiabad as the world’s best tourism villages for 2025. This recognition highlights the country’s cultural diversity and environmental stewardship.
UN Tourism, a specialized UN agency, promotes responsible and inclusive travel worldwide. Furthermore, it works with 160 member states and over 500 affiliates to encourage economic growth, community development, and sustainability. Its Best Tourism Villages program identifies rural communities with strong cultural, natural, and social assets.
This year, UN Tourism selected 52 villages from more than 270 applications submitted by 65 countries. Consequently, Iranian villages earned recognition for their innovative tourism approaches while preserving local traditions and ecosystems. Kandelous, located in northern Mazandaran province, sits amid the Alborz Mountains and ancient Hyrcanian forests.
Moreover, the village features terraced gardens, traditional architecture, and museums showcasing over 8,000 artifacts. Locals maintain sustainable practices that honor the natural environment. The Kandelous Anthropology Museum, founded by Aliasghar Jahangiri, highlights regional life, pottery, manuscripts, and medicinal plants. Therefore, its recognition demonstrates Iran’s dedication to cultural preservation and eco-friendly living.
Meanwhile, Soheili, on Qeshm Island along the Persian Gulf, combines coastal beauty with community-led eco-tourism. Residents, especially women and youth, protect mangrove forests and wetlands. In addition, they craft sea-inspired handicrafts and construct eco-friendly wooden houses. Visitors experience sustainable coastal life while learning about environmental stewardship. Thus, Soheili illustrates how communities can balance economic development with ecological responsibility.
Shafiabad, on the edge of the Lut Desert near Kerman, shows resilience in arid conditions. Its adobe houses and traditional qanat irrigation demonstrate sustainable desert living. Additionally, women revive local crafts, boosting the village economy. Travelers enjoy desert trekking under expansive skies, meanwhile witnessing human ingenuity in harmony with nature.
Experts note that recognizing Iranian villages promotes rural tourism, strengthens local economies, and encourages cultural preservation. Moreover, officials highlight that such initiatives attract conscious travelers seeking meaningful experiences.
As a result, the UN Tourism recognition reinforces Iran’s potential as a sustainable travel destination. Kandelous, Soheili, and Shafiabad showcase unique ecosystems, cultural heritage, and community-driven growth. Their success sets a model for other rural areas aiming for global tourism recognition.