Iran Showcases Remarkable Tourism Transformation as Climate-Resilient Villages Set New Global Standards

Iran pushes climate-resilient tourism while conserving nature and advancing communities across the globe. Iran has presented two cases of community-based tourism during the recent meeting of the World Tourism Organization to demonstrate climate-smart and sustainable tourism development. The cases show how tourism can be developed in a way that supports and adapts to the impacts of climate change.

The initiatives from Soheili village on Qeshm Island and Shafiabad village in Kerman were presented at the 27th Meeting of the COMCEC Tourism Working Group in Ankara, where representatives from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, international institutions, tourism stakeholders and non-governmental organisations discussed strategies to protect tourism destinations from environmental challenges.

The two Iranian villages demonstrated how local communities can combine tourism growth with environmental protection, cultural preservation and economic opportunities. Both destinations were recognised in the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages list in 2025, highlighting their efforts to build responsible tourism models based on local participation and sustainable practices.

Climate Change Creates New Challenges for Global Tourism Destinations

The tourism sector across many regions is facing increasing pressure from climate change, with rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, longer drought periods and changing seasonal patterns affecting destinations worldwide.

During the COMCEC meeting, discussions focused on how climate-related changes are influencing natural landscapes, coastal areas, desert environments and communities that depend on tourism income.

Many destinations are now reassessing traditional tourism development approaches and exploring models that strengthen environmental protection while maintaining economic benefits for local residents.

For countries with diverse ecosystems, including islands, deserts and rural landscapes, climate resilience has become an important part of long-term tourism planning. Sustainable tourism strategies are increasingly focusing on conservation, responsible resource management and stronger involvement of local communities.

Iran presented its village-based tourism initiatives as examples of how smaller destinations can respond to environmental challenges while creating new opportunities through responsible visitor experiences.

Qeshm Island Village Connects Tourism Growth With Mangrove Protection

Soheili village on Qeshm Island has developed a tourism model that combines nature-based experiences with ecosystem conservation, particularly around the island’s valuable mangrove forests.

Located near one of Iran’s important coastal ecosystems, the village has encouraged community participation in tourism activities while supporting environmental protection measures.

The local tourism approach includes reducing environmental pressure on the mangrove areas through the introduction of quieter boats for visitors. This helps minimise disturbance to marine habitats while allowing travellers to explore the natural environment in a more sustainable way.

The village has also focused on mangrove restoration, with around 200,000 mangrove seedlings planted every year as part of conservation efforts.

Accommodation development has also played an important role in supporting sustainable tourism. More than 40 eco-lodges have been established in the village, providing visitors with locally connected stays while creating employment opportunities for residents.

The tourism activities have generated direct employment for hundreds of people, showing how environmental protection and local economic development can work together.

The involvement of women and young people has also been a key part of Soheili’s tourism strategy, allowing community members to participate actively in tourism services and conservation projects.

Shafiabad Village Uses Tourism Revenue to Protect Desert Heritage

Another example presented by Iran was Shafiabad village near the Lut Desert in Kerman province, where tourism development has been linked with traditional knowledge, environmental protection and community empowerment.

The village has built a tourism model based on its desert landscape, local culture and handicraft traditions.

A women-led community group in Shafiabad has directed part of its handicraft income towards restoring damaged qanats, traditional underground water channels that have supported communities in dry regions for centuries.

The initiative connects tourism earnings with water conservation, helping protect important local resources while preserving traditional systems that reflect the region’s heritage.

By combining handicraft production, desert tourism and environmental restoration, Shafiabad demonstrates how rural tourism can support both cultural preservation and climate adaptation.

The approach also highlights the role of local communities, especially women, in creating sustainable economic opportunities through tourism.

Community Participation Becomes Key to Future Sustainable Tourism

The Iranian examples presented at the COMCEC meeting highlighted several principles that could support sustainable tourism development across other destinations.

Community involvement was identified as one of the most important factors in building resilient tourism models. When local residents participate in tourism planning and benefit directly from visitor activities, destinations can create stronger connections between economic growth and environmental protection.

The use of traditional architecture, locally available materials and regional knowledge can also help reduce environmental impacts while maintaining cultural identity.

Another important element is ensuring that a portion of tourism income supports conservation activities. This approach allows tourism to become a source of funding for protecting natural resources rather than contributing to environmental damage.

For many rural and nature-based destinations, sustainable tourism offers a pathway to diversify local economies while protecting landscapes that attract visitors.

COMCEC Develops Policy Recommendations for Tourism Resilience

The 27th COMCEC Tourism Working Group meeting brought together tourism representatives to examine practical solutions for strengthening destination resilience against climate-related risks.

The discussions are expected to contribute to policy recommendations that will be considered during the 42nd COMCEC Ministerial Session.

COMCEC, the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, works to promote cooperation among member states in areas including tourism, trade and economic development.

Iran’s presentation of Soheili and Shafiabad highlighted how local tourism initiatives can provide valuable lessons for destinations seeking sustainable growth.

As climate change continues to reshape travel patterns and destination management strategies, community-based tourism models are becoming increasingly important. By protecting ecosystems, supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage, these initiatives show how tourism can evolve into a more responsible and resilient sector.