Nahavand Village Launches Tourism Program Showcasing Century-Old Garden Courtyards, Boosting Sustainable Tourism Growth and Local Economies in Iran

Published on December 7, 2025

Nahavand, a village in the Hamedan Province of Iran, has launched an exciting tourism initiative centered around its old garden courtyards. The program, announced by Mohsen Janjan, Head of the Nahavand Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, was touted as a way to promote the village’s rich agriculture and cultural traditions in an authentic way, showcasing an Iranian rural lifestyle. With the hundred-plus-year-old houses and historic trees like mulberry, apple, pear, walnut, and persimmon, Nahavand was in a great position to become one of the main hubs for eco-tourism and cultural tourism within Iran.

This is part of the wider government initiative to push tourism development through the notions of sustainability and increased local economies in rural areas. Nahavand is developing further the linkage between visitors and the village cultural landscape by reviving the autumn fruit harvest tradition in these gardens, thus making it a model for tourism development in Iran’s rural sectors.

Promoting Iran’s Rich Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism

At the heart of Nahavand’s tourism revival is the persimmon fruit, which symbolizes stability, unity, and resilience in local traditions. The harvest of this fruit during the fall season, traditionally shared with neighbors and the less fortunate, represents a unique form of cultural exchange and community spirit. This cultural practice is deeply intertwined with tourism experiences in Nahavand, offering visitors a chance to engage with local traditions, witness the harvest process, and contribute to the region’s economic sustainability.

In addition to fruit harvesting, tourists will be invited to experience traditional Iranian crafts such as bread baking, carpet weaving, giveh making, and the preparation of local foods like doogh (a yogurt drink) and local butter. These activities are designed to immerse visitors in Iranian cultural heritage, while simultaneously empowering local communities and promoting small businesses within Nahavand and surrounding regions. This type of community-based tourism will have a direct, positive economic impact, supporting SMEs and local artisans, and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector.

Tourism Impact: Economic Growth and Job Creation

The introduction of this tourism program is expected to have a significant economic impact on Nahavand and its surrounding areas. As more international and domestic tourists visit the village, local businesses—such as small hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and transport providers—are set to see increased demand for their services. This tourism influx will result in higher hotel occupancy rates, more local spending, and job creation across various sectors of the economy.

The program also opens up new opportunities for local guides, craft vendors, and hospitality workers to engage with tourists, fostering a sustainable model for tourism development. The increase in tourism revenues will help fund additional community projects, enhance tourism infrastructure, and promote eco-friendly travel that prioritizes the preservation of Nahavand’s natural beauty and cultural traditions.

Strengthening Iran’s Position as a Sustainable Cultural Tourism Destination

The revival of Nahavand’s old garden courtyards is a key step in Iran’s broader tourism strategy, which aims to highlight the country’s cultural diversity and natural beauty while promoting sustainable travel practices. As eco-tourism and cultural tourism continue to rise globally, Iran is well-positioned to attract international tourists who seek authentic experiences and are committed to responsible travel.

Nahavand’s initiative aligns with the National Tourism Development Strategy to boost sustainable tourism in rural areas, while preserving cultural heritage and enhancing the visitor experience. The project not only targets travelers seeking cultural immersion but also appeals to eco-conscious tourists who value destinations that protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Future Tourism Impact: Growth and Regional Connectivity

Looking to the future, the Nahavand tourism initiative is set to expand tourism offerings across Iran, with the potential to serve as a model for other rural areas. As tourism demand increases, the government is expected to invest further in tourism infrastructure, transportation networks, and eco-tourism initiatives. The success of Nahavand’s program could lead to the development of additional cultural and eco-tourism projects throughout Iran, stimulating economic activity in rural and remote regions.

The program’s long-term success will also encourage more international partnerships and investments in Iran’s tourism sector, which could lead to higher visitor numbers, the development of new tourism routes, and enhanced regional connectivity. This will ultimately contribute to the country’s goals of diversifying its tourism offerings and ensuring sustainable growth for years to come.

Nahavand’s Future as a Sustainable Tourism Destination

Nahavand’s revival of cultural tourism is not only about the continuation of traditional practices but also about long-term economic opportunities through sustainable tourism. By developing community ownership, empowering local enterprises, and providing an immersive experience for tourists, Nahavand will be well-placed to become one of the leading examples of eco-tourism and cultural tourism in Iran. This project will add value to Iran’s tourism growth through job creation, improved revenues from tourism, and advancement of sustainable development to ensure that Nahavand and its cultural heritage continue for generations to come.