Tehran – Karman will host a major ecotourism gathering on May 21 as a land full of natural and historic charms in southern Iran (Ordibehesht 31, Persian Karandal), bringing together hundreds of ecolodge managers, government officials and international representatives to protect and promote sustainable tourism.
The state of Carman, boasting ten global heritage sites, over 800 nationally registered heritage sites and thousands of historical and natural attractions, pristine regions and rich culture have great potential in the ecotourism sector.
Currently, 350 ecotourism homes are active throughout the state.
The most common ecolodges in the state are in Shadad, Baft, Shar E-Babak, Zaland and Jiroft.
Governor Carman Mohammadari Talebi said the festival could be a turning point in the ecotourism sector not only at Carman but also at the national level.
He also added that Carman State is considered one of the major ecotourism destinations across the country, and that the southern state has a unique ability to promote the ecotourism sector.
The National Ecotourism Festival is an important step in introducing state tourism and Indigenous attractions, he added.
He said holding the festival with appropriate information dissemination will lead to participation in raising public awareness and promoting tourism.
Talebi emphasized that the event will be used to exchange experiences between ecotourism resorts across the country.
He said “World Smiles to Carman 1405” will be announced during the festival. “This is the first measure of the realization of Vision 1405. We all have an obligation to support such events and turn Carman into a city with international tourism standards.”
Emphasizing that the media is a connection between people and policy makers, Talebi stressed: “We must take our advertising campaigns, appropriate cyberspace content and cooperation with national media.
“I invite all institutions, public institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and tourism activists to lead them to their work. We can introduce new images of Carman through precise planning and implementation of local capabilities in the fields of handicrafts, traditional music, local cuisine and eco-tourism.”
Also, Seyed Mahdi Tabibzadeh, head of Kerman Chamber of Commerce, said that over 350 ecolodges have registered to participate in the event. The festival will start at ARG Square in Carman, he added.
Yabar Abili, who presides the Iranian Ecolodge Operators Association, announced that the event is scheduled for Ordibehesht 31 in Karman province. The initiative follows the recent designation as Iran’s National Environment Day on May 21. Despite official recognition, no celebration event took place in 2024, prompting organizers to plan a large gathering next year.
The event is expected to attract 500-700 ecolodge managers and associated officials across the country. The invitation has also been extended to foreign ambassadors and UN tourism representatives (formerly known as the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Among the expected guests are the head of the United Nations Tourism Rural Tourism Registration Division. They may conduct specialized workshops on the registration of Iranian villages to become globally recognized.
Additionally, specially designed trains run by the private sector will transport 300-400 participants from Tehran to Karman. With customized decorations and cultural elements, the train stops at Isfahan and Yazd, offering passengers the opportunity to explore other historic cities along the way. Additionally, traditional performance groups will entertain guests throughout the journey and create dynamic cultural experiences.
With strong support from the Karman provincial government, the two-day event aims to highlight Iran’s commitment to ecotourism and sustainable rural development. The assembly is expected to enhance collaboration among ecotourism operators while introducing Iran’s rich cultural and natural heritage at an international stage.
KD