WANA (Oct 17) – The villages of Shafiabad, Kandolus, and Soheili have been officially included in the UN World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) list of Best Tourism Villages, marking a historic achievement for Iran’s cultural and ecological tourism.

 

According to Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, the registration took place on Friday, October 17, 2025. He described the event as “a historic milestone in showcasing Iran’s diverse tourism potential to the world.

 

“This recognition reflects the wisdom of the Iranian people in pursuing sustainable development, heritage preservation, and community participation in shaping the country’s future,” Salehi-Amiri said.

 

Soheili: The Star of the Persian Gulf

Located on Qeshm Island, Soheili is celebrated as a model of eco-friendly and wetland-based tourism in the Persian Gulf. Villagers have replaced noisy motorboats with quiet floating pavilions to protect the Hara mangrove forests, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Women and children have also played a key role in environmental restoration by planting thousands of mangrove saplings at home.

Qeshm Island, Soheili. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Qeshm Island, Soheili. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Today, Soheili has become not only a destination for stargazing and nature tourism but also the culinary capital of southern Iran, hosting seafood restaurants, local markets, and food festivals.

 

Kandolus: A Model of Cultural and Community Tourism

Nestled in the Alborz Mountains in Mazandaran Province, Kandolus is an ancient village with a 4,000-year history. Salehi-Amiri called it a prime example of cultural tourism and community-based management, where traditional heritage and local knowledge are preserved alongside economic empowerment. Kandolus has become a global model for blending culture, science, and art with sustainable development.

 

Shafiabad: Women Leading Desert Tourism

Located in the Lut Desert of Kerman, Shafiabad represents the strength and creativity of Iranian women. Through cooperatives, local women have revived handicrafts and souvenirs, investing part of their income in restoring qanats (ancient water channels) and abandoned gardens.

Three Iranian Villages Named Among UN World’s Best

Shafiabad, Located in the Lut Desert of Kerman. Social media/ WANA News Agency

The village now manages eco-lodges, desert tours, and international desert camps, and even hosts the Lut Desert Global Marathon, making it a hub for desert tourism in Iran and beyond.

 

A Unified Message of Sustainability

Salehi-Amiri emphasized that the recognition of Soheili, Kandolus, and Shafiabad demonstrates Iran’s ability to offer “three distinct models of sustainable living and human-centered tourism across its diverse natural landscapes.”

 

“These villages are three chapters in the book of Iran’s identity — a book written in the language of respect for nature, community solidarity, and Iranian wisdom,” he said.

 

“May these three villages shine like stars in Iran’s sky, illuminating the path toward balanced tourism development across the country.”