Kerman, Iran, recently hosted the inaugural National Celebration of Ecolodges on May 21, uniting over 600 ecolodge managers to promote sustainable tourism. Iranian Tourism Minister Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri emphasized the government’s commitment to developing ecolodges as cultural storytelling spaces, highlighting Iran’s beauty and diversity. Kerman’s governor, Mohammad-Ali Talebi, showcased the region’s rich heritage and potential for tourism, advocating for smart tourism and community resilience. The event, aligning with the UN’s World Day for Cultural Diversity, aimed to enhance networking and share experiences among ecolodge operators, marking a significant step for Iran’s sustainable tourism sector.