WANA (Sep 08) – The Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts has announced that Tabriz has been nominated as Iran’s candidate for the title of Tourism Capital of the Developing Eight (D-8) countries in 2026, after earning the highest score in the evaluation process.

 

According to Moslem Shojaei, Director General of Marketing and Foreign Tourism Development, the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation issued a call earlier this year inviting member states, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to nominate candidate cities.

 

Shojaei explained that the Ministry shared the call with all 31 provincial heritage and tourism offices, encouraging them to submit proposals in a transparent and participatory process. Provinces had until late August to nominate one city by submitting a comprehensive proposal, including a promotional video.

 

The submitted cities were assessed by the Ministry’s marketing and foreign tourism development office, based on criteria provided by the D-8 Secretariat. These included sustainable infrastructure, preservation of cultural heritage, innovation and technology, tourist safety and security, intercultural exchange and promotion, urban impact, and socio-cultural influence.

 

Following the review, Tabriz received the highest score and was formally nominated as Iran’s candidate to the D-8 Secretariat for consideration as Tourism Capital 2026.

 

Shojaei emphasized that the final decision will be made by the D-8 Secretariat, which will evaluate nominations from all member countries.

 

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation brings together Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, and Nigeria.

El Goli Building

El Goli Building in Tabriz. Social media/ WANA News Agency