The Deputy Tourism Minister of the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts announced this historic achievement, making Kandovan the first Iranian village to join the ranks of the world’s top tourism destinations.
Kandovan faced stiff competition from over 200 villages from around the globe, yet it triumphed to be counted among the world’s tourism gems. This recognition comes as part of the UNWTO’s ongoing efforts to promote tourism as a catalyst for rural development and the welfare of villagers.
To earn its place on this exclusive list, Kandovan had to meet rigorous criteria set by the UNWTO, which included cultural resource preservation, economic sustainability, environmental and social responsibility, and a commitment to safety and security.
Kandovan excelled in each of these areas, securing its well-deserved spot alongside 76 other exceptional villages from 40 countries.
