Ilam province, celebrated for its 11,000-year civilization and cultural heritage, features significant historical sites like Vali Castle, Darrehshahr Archaeological Museum, and the Agriculture Museum of Falahati Palace. Vali Castle, built in 1908, now serves as an anthropology museum, showcasing Ilam’s customs and traditions. The Darrehshahr Archaeological Museum, inaugurated in 2005, houses artifacts from the Sassanid era, attracting over 500,000 visitors during Nowruz. The Agriculture Museum highlights traditional farming tools and practices. With approximately 1,500 attractions, including 774 on the National Heritage List, Ilam remains a vibrant cultural hub for both domestic and international tourists.
The emergency restoration of the Sasanian rock relief of Bahram II at Tang-e Chogan, Bishapur, has been completed, highlighting the importance of preserving Iran’s cultural heritage. The project was initiated after a section of the relief, damaged in 2011 by a treasure seeker, collapsed again due to natural factors. Restoration experts used modern techniques to clean and reassemble the relief, which depicts significant historical scenes, including the king receiving an Arab delegation. This relief is notable for being the only Sasanian monument representing an embassy. The site is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing the grandeur of the Sassanian era.
Rimini’s Mayor Jamil Sadegholvaad raised concerns about Israel’s participation in the upcoming Rimini tourism fair amid the Gaza conflict, deeming it “inappropriate.” Alongside Emilia-Romagna Region president Michele De Pascale, he urged Italian Exhibition Group president Maurizio Ermeti to reconsider Israel’s involvement in the TTG Travel Experience from October 8-10. Sadegholvaad emphasized the ethical dilemma of promoting destinations linked to “war, terror, and death.” This situation highlights broader discussions on the tourism industry’s responsibilities in conflict zones and the moral implications of tourism practices, as stakeholders navigate the balance between business interests and humanitarian values.
The 9th Fajr Festival of Handicrafts, or Sarv-e Simin, will be held in Tehran from February 20 to 24, featuring artists from 20 countries. The event, aimed at strengthening the handicraft industry, will include expert panels, a special program from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and a rigorous judging process involving 200 selected artists. The festival will also showcase diplomatic gifts and a Nowruz sales exhibition. Organizers plan the first auction of fine handicrafts in June to help artisans. With Iran’s handicraft exports at $250 million, the festival emphasizes cultural heritage and global market opportunities valued at $770 billion.
The Sistan-Baluchestan Cultural Heritage Department is launching handicrafts houses across Tehran and major Iranian cities to promote traditional arts and enhance the visibility of the region’s unique cultural heritage. Deputy Minister Maryam Jalali-Dehkordi emphasized the importance of authentic narratives and the need for permanent exhibition spaces for local artisans’ work. The initiative aims to empower local artisans, especially women, and strengthen cultural diplomacy with neighboring countries. By focusing on an identity-based economy that integrates cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts, this project seeks to elevate Sistan-Baluchestan’s status and pride, bridging cultural gaps and showcasing Iranian craftsmanship globally.
On World Tourism Day, Iran launched a comprehensive plan to revitalize its tourism sector, which has faced significant challenges. The government, prioritizing tourism, announced substantial financial support totaling 240 trillion rials (about $240 million) to boost the industry. Cultural Heritage Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri highlighted goals of attracting 15 million foreign tourists and creating 100,000 jobs annually. Emphasizing the role of the private sector, officials expressed commitment to strengthening tourism governance and infrastructure. The event also recognized twelve Iranian hotels with a “Green Label” for sustainable practices and featured discussions on digital transformation and community-based tourism models.